3 9090 013 418 211

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine
Cummings School of Vetsrinary Medicine at
Tufts University
200 WestDoro Road
Nortn Grafton, MA 01536

^^^i^t^^^i^

RUSSELL

ON

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING

FOR

LEVELING AND BALANCING THE ACTION
AND GAIT OF HORSES

AND

KEMEDYTNG AND CURING THE DIFFETiEXT
DISEASES OF THE FOOT

SlXTiE KDITinX REVISED AXD EXLARCED

W I T 1 1 500 ILLUSTRATlOiSrs

BY

PROF. WILLIAM RUSSELL

Practical IIorseshoer

CINCINNATI
THE ROBERT CLARKE COMPANY

1901

C'oi'VKKniT, isf)!)

P.Y GEOijdK i:. im'ssi:li.

Coi'YKKJIIT. li»Ol

r.v PROF. A\i I.I.I AM i;rssi;i.

w

.■^"J,-tv%BJ»ibtr.«.ji..r

tJK«»**W*V3tg«-S-i%J^'*>«»««H«-^S-«

■!' 4

T TItE IMTCMUTIONAL KjrHI*'>0» '•t.r. » tnt r rv or CnrCACO KTaTC OP lU^MOIS^IN THtYttm <B'
«**(B«L*O>4rTCmc>VMrTWn>cnil«CT*0RTMaCi.OWOVKBTMCNAHC0PAMIM0<v>D^I

^vDcc ACTiKQ AS AM csAMiMr* umn mc riMoiiic or * aoAMO or laTuiiUTiOHAL jwoccs.to

M«BiLl"6U ret tMTiMT 4a» cenrmtnCKSntBt tl »r ciinwT cr naMb-nxbC ■oaiticct )

. ar irtU4L »tlit«. oTtaMB TO rcntBT b(PC(.T3 lit nO'JEl' fttr. MTH HilTuajL aat lU T'l

^^ «tSULT> or inrxarta jMauiKi. «mb «kic to murCiiiE tb( srtlft or TtaiTiti* «■& b»i¥i»'.
n«uei nOtfiCjnacBi Tftoo ro« Uiar ntmv. tinu«LLr (■ int poot ^ftjvsrta. wmcn ij
>t»i trmi lire aa» imrvr. «■& in«u.t} Twt ortvaroa to io abvviST t« ihm aj
T« ruPLtTiT u«uuu rT3 r«t)jtd»t to au. wira o» »« f&ot .

[CoJ>y.]

"The United State"; of America, by act of their Congrens, have authorized The World's Columbian
Commission, at the International Exhibition held in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, in the year
1893, to decree a medal for specific merit which is set forth below, over the name of an individual judge
acting as an examiner, upon the finding of a board of International Judges, to William Russell, Cincin-
nati, Ohio. Exhibit: Horseshoes and Horseshoers' Tools. Award: Horseshoes — for extent and com-
prehensiveness of Exhibit of Hand-made Horseshoes, of special design, intended to remedy defects
in horses' feet, both natural and as the results of improper shoeing, and also to increase the speed of
trotting and driving horses. Horseshoers' Tools — for Great Merit especially in the Foot Adjuster,
which is very effective and simple, and enables the operator to so adjust the shoe as to perfectly
ecjualize its pressure to all parts of the foot."

CHA#^

TO

"Vv^

® WilUain Russell 8, Sons, '^'

IHAND-MADE HORSESHOES,^

(For remedyiDg defects in horses' feet.,) (gj

* And Improvement in

acs

Cipcinnati > Sn^Ui^triat • ^rpoi^itioii.

THE FIRST PREMIUM

AWARDED TO

WILLIAM RUSSELL AND SONS

For Bed Display of Hand-made Horseshoes,

Remedying Defects in Horses^ Feet,

For Improvement in Horseshoe Iron,

And for Morbid Specimens of Horses' Feet,

Showing Injuries sustained from Improper Shoeing.

CHAS. F. WILSTACH, President,
ABNER L. FRAZER. Secretary.

At the Cincinnati Expositions have been awarded to Prof. Russell, as above,
for the successive years of 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1879, 1880,
1881, and 1883.

3iV5t 'l^VCmiUWB

Have also been awarded to Prof. Russell's displays wherever exhibited,
notably at the

TEXAS STATE FAIRS AND DALLAS EXPOSITIONS,

IN 1889 AND 1890, FOR

Best System of Scientific Horseshoeing,

Best Display of Hand-made Horseshoes,

And Best Display of Morbid Anatomical Specimens.

IXTERXA TIONAL EXHIBITION,

PHILADELPHIA, 1S7C.

The United States Centennial Commission has examined the
report of the Judges^ and accepted the following reasons, and decreed

an aicard in conformitg thereirith.

Philadelphia, December 14, 1876.

REPORT ON AWARDS.

Product. HORSESHOES Hand and Machine Made : also, HORSESHOE IRON.
Name and Address of Exhibitor: WILLIAM RUSSELL, CINCINNATI, OHIO.

The undersigned, having examined ttte product herein described, respectfully
recommends the same to the United States Centennial Commission, for Award, for the
following reasons, viz.,

A variety of shoes remedying defects in liuofs; also, patented rolled iron, for hand-

shoe making. All highly meritorious.

J. 1). IMBODEX,

[Signature of the Judge.]
Approval of Group Judges.

DANIEL STEISMETZ. CHAS. STAPLES. JULIUS DIEFENBACH,
G. L. REED, DAV. McHARDY, J. BAIX.

A true copy of the record.

FRANCIS A. WALKER, Chief of the Bureau of Awards.

Given bg authoritg of the United States Centennial Commission.

J. L. CAMPBELL,

Secretary

A. T. GOSHORX,

Director General.

J. R. HAW LEY,

President.

^ennci50ee • Ccnfcnniaf • (fi-po^ition.

AT NASHVILLE, 1897.

AWARDED TO

WILLIAM RUSSELL, CINCINNATI, OHIO.

The Highest 'and only Premium Given fur

The Best Exhibit of Hand-made Horseshoes

And Horseslioers^ Tools and Paraphernalia,

Including a Most Complete Anatomical Museum
Of the Horsed Feet and Legs, with Special Reference to the Diseases Cause:
From Unbalanced Feet arid Improper Shoeing.

GOLD IvIEDAL ¥IH)M NATIONAL CONVENTION oF TTOKSESIIOERS,

IN riTTSP.rKC.

This medal speaks for itself. 1 am tlie only liorscsliocr who lias ever
been awarded a gold modal by his fellow horseshoers. \V. R

INTRODUCTIOiN" TO SIXTH EDITION.

Since tlie publication of the Fifth Edition of my Treatise
on Scientific Horseshoeing so many additional cases have come
to my attention I have concluded to embody them with co-
pious illustrations in a complete final work, to embrace
all the important matter contained in the First, Second,
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Editions. I find that the farrier has
become one of the progressives of modern science ; as time
changes almost everything changes. I find there have been
great changes made in the speed of horses. My experience
has been that as the horse increases in speed he quickens his
evolution. There are scarcely two speed horses shaped or
gaited alike, consequently no two can be shod alike and do
their work with equal ease and comfort to themselves. The
style and weight of shoes that would suit one horse would not
be suitable for another. This fact has led me to invent and
make many different styles and . weight of shoes for speed
horses. As I have so often said, no one man knows it all.
Tlie close observers never finish learning in horsehoeing. The
farriers can get good ideas from one another. I have traveled
for the past twenty years, and shod horses in every state in
the Union. Shod all grades of horses, from the ponderous
Norman to the fleet-footed, thoroughbred race horse. I have
talked with all the expert farriers, horsemen, trainers, and
drivers on the subject of the different gaits of horses and the

(xi)

Xll INTIIOUUCTIU.N TO .SIXTH EDITION.

different styles and weii]^1it of shoes to snir all kinds of soils
of the tracks, and all agree witli me that tli(> hard track re-
quires a different style of shoe than the soft, cuppy track.
There are cuts exhibited all ihruugh iny book, to suit all
grades of tracks and roads. To be successful, the driver
should have three or four sets of shoes niade and fitted to
each horse, to carry along with him, to suit all conditions of
tracks — the hard, the soft raud, and the sandy, cuppy soil. By
so doing, he,will be ready to race his horse at all times and sea-
sons. The thin shell or wall should be shod with a thin, wide,
web shoe ; the thick shell or wall can be shod with a narrower
web shoe. The farrier, to be successful, must exercise good
judgment in making and fitting shoes, to suit the thickness
of the shell or wall and to suit the gait of the horse. The
low-gaited horse in front and behind requires a thin shoe ;
the horse with the high knee and hock action can be shod
with a different style and Aveight of shoes.

There are four qualifi(;ations for the speed horse to make
him a money-winner : First, plenty of speed ; second, a hearty
appetite ; third, stand plenty of hard work ; fourth, endurance.
If the horse possesses these four qualifications, and is shod
with a style and weight of shoes suitable to his gait, he is
ready to start out to earn inoney for his owner. If the horse
does not possess these four qualifications, the owner will save
money by keeping him at home.

The long-pastern horse needs to be shod in front and be-
hind with long toes, while the short-pastern should be shod
all around with short toes. I have made and invented shoes
to suit all grades and classes of speed horses. In my judg-
ment, horseshoeing is in its infancy. If a farrier shod a
horse forty years ago to suit his gait, it was an accident.

INTRODUCTION TO SIXTH EDITION. XllI

Balance the feet and body, and every joint will work properly
in its journals, and every muscle will move with its greatest
yet most economical expenditure of force. The science of
horseshoeing must be studied, the same as any other science,
if 3"0U wish to become a successful farrier.

I am indebted to Mr. S. T. Harris, of Cincinnati, the well-
known authority on all subjects relating to the welfare of the
horse, for his valuable assistance and suggestions opportunely
given while I was pursuing the investigation of the principles
of this work, and continuing through an association of more
than forty years.

Knee-Hitting and Its Causes. — First, locate the cause ;
when that is removed, the effects will cease. There are cases
that are very hard to overcome. I will call your attention to
some of them : Splay-foot, or nigger-heel; in some the pas-
terns lean in ; some the knees lean in ; in others the chest is too
narrow ; in some cases cross-firing, speedy-cutting. Some-
times the cause is in the teeth. If the horse carries his head
and neck to one side, it will unbalance the front part of the
body. If the horse figlit the bit in his mouth, the fault
is in the teeth. I liave known cases where the horse was
fighting the bit in the mouth, and pulling his head and
neck to one side, and in liis fast work was a chronic knee-
hitter ; after having his teeth thoroughly treated and the sharp
edges on them removed by a comj^etent veterinary dentist, he
would carry his head and neck on a line with his body in his
fast work, quit fighting the bit in his mouth, and never hit
his knees afterwards. These were cases where the fault was
in the mouth and teeth. Unbalanced feet and illy-constructed
and badlv-fittiniy shoes are sometimes the cause.

I liave called the attention of my readers to some of the

XIV IXTRODL'CTKJ.V TO SIXTK EDITION.

causes of kiice-hittiiig. 1 luivo cuts of shoes, made of proper
weight and shape, to suit the i^articuhir case in hand. All
owners of horses can have their animals shod to avoid knee-
hitting. I will take pleasure in answering all questions sent
to me in reference to knee-hitting, as well as any other faulty

actions in the gaits of horses.

AViLLiAM Russell.

1722 Freeman avenue, Cincinnati, ()., 1901.

INTRODUCTION TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

Modern farriery has become one of the most progressive
of the sciences. For many years the standard works of the
English, French and German authors were reprinted and fol-
lowed as if the subject had been exhausted by them. But this
view has given place in America to the most rigid examination
into the wants of the American trotting horse, the latest devel-
opment of the high bred and swift trotting horse; so that in-
stead of American farriery being confined to the proper dressing
of the foot and shoeing of the sound and the unsound horse, in-
vestigation has been extended to the action or gait, and many
invaluable shoeing devices have been invented by the ingenious
American mind to regulate, as well as to control the action of
the horse both at the walk and at full speed. This is so great
a step in advance that European works are no longer regarded
as the highest standard of authority, but the American treatises
have largely taken their place both in Europe and America.

The author has been impressed with this conviction for
more than a decade. For sixty-three years he has been a prac-
tical farrier, and has shod all grades of horses from the ponder-
ous Norman to the fleet-footed thoroughbred race horse. His
place of business has been headquarters for the treatment of
every species of lameness and abnormal condition of the foot,
as well as the smithy for perfecting the gait and developing the
speed, by the introduction of such shoes as each individual
horse under treatment demanded.

Moreover, he has patiently studied the anatomy, pathology
and mechanical action of the foot, limb and body, so that by
this dual mastery of the theoretical and practical science of

INTRODUCTION TO THE FOURTH UDUriON.

modern farriery he might leave, as a monument, a life work
that wouhl [irove both instructive and useful to the horse com-
nmnity. When the third edition of the present treatise was
published he believed that he would not issue still another re-
vised edition ; but his constant study of tlie subject and his
interviews with the leadins^ trainers and sheers and horse own-
ers of this country have evolved so many valuable inventions
and so much improvement in the treatment of chronic disorders
that another edition has become absolutely imperative.

The author trusts that the " fifth " edition will meet all re-
quirements of being the latest standard authority on modern
farriery. Prof. William Kussell.

THE OBLIGATIONS OF MASTER FARRIERS TO THEIR

APPRENTICES.

The general course of training for an apprentice is as follows :
First, he is taught to cut the clinchers and pull off the shoes.
Second, to lay the clinchers down to the foot and finish the outer
wall. Third, he must learn to pare the foot correctly and finally
to drive the shoes on to the foot, lay the clinchers down, and finish
the foot. This comprehends all the work of the floorsman. The
proper duties of the man at the fire are next to be instilled into
the apprentice. And here let me say that before an apprentice
can become a successful firesman, he must have learned well the
duties of the floorsman. He must, while learning his practical
shop duties as floorsman and man at the fire, have acquired a sub-
stantial knowledge of the anatomy of the foot and leg, and what-
ever appertains to the theory of farriery ; for in the dressing and
paring of the foot, as well as the making and driving of the shoe
upon the prepared foot, lie all the qualifications required in a
competent, practical farrier. So it stands to reason that the
master farrier, in his responsibility to the apprentice, should
show himself to be well-versed in all these matters, to be able to
impart to him the necessary instruction upon the salient points in
farriery.

Therefore, first of all, if an apprentice is to be trained, he
must have a capable trainer. So, when an apprentice begins to
serve his four years to learn horseshoeing, he must put himself
into the hands of an intelligent, practical farrier. No man, who
is not himself a practical, scientific farrier, should attempt to in-
struct an apprentice. If he has not the necessary qualifications,
the boy will spend his four years of apprenticeship largely in vain.
The master will receive the services of the apprentice, but will not
be able to afford him that training and education which, under

(xiva)

xiv^ OBLIGATIONS TO APTRENTICES.

the law, he has obligated liimself to give. Thi^ Ijoy may have
been ever so faithful in trying to learn liis chosen trade, l)ut at
the end of his four years of service, he has not learned the rudi-
ments of the science of horseshoeing, and could not pass an ex-
amination as a farrier. The fault does not lie with the znalous
boy, but with the incompetent man.

There is a science in horseshoeing which has to be learned just
the same as any other science. How can a school teacher instruct
children successfully without, for instance, a sufficient knowledge
of the alphabet? Every school teacher must pass an examination
before a board of examiners npjwintod for that ]nirpose, and re-
ceive a certificate ))efore teaching. In lik'" manner, no individual
can teach an apprentice the science of horseshoeing if he liimself
does not understand the principles of tlie science and the art of
their application, that is. unless he is a master farrier. He must
know how to pare the hoof and to prepare the foot, Ikjw to make
and fit the shoe, and liow to correctly drive the shoe onto the
hoof so as to have the pressure equally distributed to all parts of
the foot and leg. All this implies knowledge, practical knowl-
edge. If the master does not possess this knowledge, certainly he
cannot impart it to the apprentice.

In the case of the school-teacher, after a thorough course of
examinations, if the board believes the candidate possesses the
necessary qualifications and knowledge to teach, a certificate to
that effect is issued. In like manner, the qualifications of any
one who would become a master farrier ought to be tested and
shown before he is permitted to assume the position of a teacher.

And now, gentlemen, this brings me to the point I wish to
raise : Why should not laws be passed requiring the candidate to
farriery to pass a proper examination as to qualification before he
is permitted to open a farrier's shop? I hold that in this civilized
country it is just as essential to have laws passed and enforced re-
quiring an examination of men who profess to be practical and
scientific horseshoers, to instruct the apprentice, as it is to re-

OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES. XIVC

quire school-teachers to demonstrate by examination that they are
fully qualified to teach their pupils.

Any man presenting himself to the public as a competent
horseshoer induces owners of horses to believe that he possesses a
general knowledge of the anatomy of the horse's foot and leg, and
is fully qualified to jjractice his trade. With becoming pride, he
puts over his shop a sign alleging that he is a "Scientific Horse-
shoer." By his pretenses in this and other ways, he induces the
owners of horses to bring them to him to be shod.

Now, let us look the facts squarely in the face. If this man
were compelled to go before a competent board, to be examined on
scientific horseshoeing and on the anatomy of the horse's foot and
leg, he would not know the meaning of the term, scientific horse-
shoeing, nor could he explain anything about the anatomy or
physiology of the foot or leg. Now, if a man does not have this
knowledge himself, how in the name of common sense and reason
can he impart such knowledge to an apprentice? He must first
have both theoretical and practical knowledge of this kind, before
he himself is competent to carry on his business, and certainly
before he undertakes to instruct others.

It must be remembered that when a man begins to cut and
dress a horse's hoof, and to nail shoes upon his foot, he is dealing
with a living organism, full of vitality and feeling. It would be
bad enough for a carpenter or wood-carver, wholly incompetent
and uninstructed, to cut, rip and destroy insensible wood; but
how much more so for an incompetent and unskilled person to
cut, tear and wound the sensitive foot of a noble and faithful
horse. If any one, who proposes to take up the business of horse-
shoeing, will not voluntarily prepare himself by the necessary
course of study and training, he should be compelled'to do so, or
should be for1:)idden to ply his pretended trade at the expense of
suffering to the poor horses that are intrusted to his care, and of in-
jury to the property of their owners.

I would suggest that laws should be passed in all the states
providing for the appointment of a competent examining board cf

Xivd OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES.

farriers. These boards might be appointed by the governors, niul
should consist, say, of one veterinary surgeon and two competent,
practical horseshoers. Tlien every man who desired to engage in
the business of horseshoeing, and especially those who propose to
take apprentices, should be required to appear before tliis board
and pass a satisfactory exaniination for a (-(^rtificatp of ([ualifica-
tion. In order to begin a niovcniiMit of this kind without doing
injustice to any one, the l)oarils shouhl hi' authorized to use con-
siderable discretion in their examination of those already in the
business. Of course it is well known tliat there are many men
wh(», from long experience, ))eing naturally intelligent, have made
of themselves competent horseshoers. who could not do much in
the way of passing an examination in the scientific technicalities
of the business. They have not the knowledge of anatomical and
scientific terms which would enable them to [)ass a creditable
written examination. But it will l)e easy for the board of exam-
iners to satisfy themselves as to the competency of these men for
their work by a series of shop tests. In tliis way their business
need not be interfered wit h by such a law.

There would be a question, however, about their receiving and
training apprentices. While entirely capable to give to boys and
young men a thorough training in tlie practical part of horse-
shoeing, they would not be fitted to give them the necessary
theoretical instruction in reference to the anatomy and physiology
of the horse, and of his foot and leg. This difficulty, however,
could be overcome l^y some provision for the apprentice to receive
his theoretical instruction from some other source.

All new candidates for the business of a farrier should l)e sub-
jected to rigid exam.ination, both by writing out answers to theo-
retical questions and by j)ractical shop tests. The board should
have authority to look somewhat into the general character of can-
didates as well as to examine into their special qualifications.
Horseshoeing is a business that requires good judgment as well as
theoretical and practical knowledge. Not only is the question of
humanitv to the horse to l)e considered, l)ut also that of the

OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES. XWe

horse's value to the owner. A man of bad judgment, or of dis-
honest purpose, though practically competent, can cause great suf-
fering to a horse and work great injury to his owner if he chooses
to do so. Not only science, but conscientiousness, is necessary in
the equipment of a common farrier.

Now, I would urge all interested in this matter to get together
and help to lift this question out of the mire in which it has ]3een
so long. I am constantly surprised to see so much jealousy exist-
ing among farriers, and so little confidence shown in one another.
No one who runs a horseshoeing shop can expect to hold all the
horses he shoes from year to year. If one customer goes to some
other shop, another customer will come from elsewhere to fill his
place. What we need is to so perfect our profession that we may
have confidence in one another. As soon as we reach this point,
we will begin to prosper in our business, and the public will realize
that if they would maintain the usefulness of their horses they
will have to patronize only scientific farriers who will consci-
entiously j^reserve the usefulness of their property. Let us get
together.

I think, first of all, we should get into touch with the Humane
Society, and induce that organization to make it a part of its
business to see that dumb animals are protected from cruelty and
ill-usage in the horseshoer's shop as well as elsewhere. Few men
shoe horses with the deliberate purpose of crippling them and de-
stroying their usefulness for life. Yet this is being done every
day, here in your city, and right under the eyes of the Humane
Society. Go to the man that lamed the horse, and his excuse will
be, "I did the best I know how." This does not excuse him, nor
us, nor the owner of the horse, nor the Humane Society. Such
incompetent men should not be allowed to shoe horses. Ignorance
is no excuse before the law, and it should be no excuse before pub-
lic opinion.

One of the most competent agents of the Humane Society
should be engaged to go from shop to shop and examine the work,
done. He will soon discover the man who is a scientific shoer,

X'ivf OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES.

and will likt'wisp find out th(^ man who is a bungler and experi-
menter. In ih'uri way all the cobblers in the city who cripple and
injure horses may be listed, and could ))e driven out of the
business, being no longer permitted to cripple and indict suffering
upon man's best friend — the horse.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. A thing
half done would I)e better not done at nil. My experience is that
a horse well shod is twice shod. Th" man who is successful in his
Inisiness is the man who gives strict attenlion to his business.
The horseshoer who would succeed is compelh'd to give the same
attention to his qualifications as is required of the bookkeeper or
the physician. Nature will not compromise with us in anyway.
If we violate her laws, as incorporated in the foot of the horse, she
will exact her penalty. Damage to the foot or h'g requires valu-
able time at least for repair. There nuiy be recovery, and, in
some cases, perfect restoration. But ignorant treatment of the
horse's foot involves great risk.

The law will not excuse ignorance, negligence or malicious-
ness. Whenever a horse is brought to a shop to he shod, the
master of that shop is liable, under the law. for all injuries tlie
horse may receiv(3 there. Tf the horse is made lame by an igno-
rant, incompetent shoer, the master farrier is held liable for dam-
age under the law : the same is true if he is lame through careless-
ness on the part of the shoer; is likewise liable if the shoer ma-
liciously and willfully injures the horse out of spite and hatred
to the owner or to the master of the shop.

For the reasons just named, it is to the interest of every master
horseshoer to employ only the ])est skilled and scientific journey-
men, and we ought to co-operate to drive all the cobblers and
amateurs out of the business. A good, careful, scientific shoer,
who works for the interest of his employer, is cheap at any reason-
able wages, while a half-way cobbler is a dear man at any price.
My custom has always been to hire the ]:)est men going, regardless
of wages. No man who shoes horses can retain a reputation as a
skillful, competent farrier, save by shoeing horses in a workman-

OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES. xiv^

like manner. The owner of the horse should never consider the
question of how cheap he can have his horse sliod, but how well
can it l)e done. If the horse is lamed by poor shoeing, the owner
not only loses his service, but he becomes a bill of expense, for
there is the cost of feeding, a veterinary l)ill, and the cost of an-
other horse to take his place.

Now, gentlnmeii, let mn say in conclusion, we all have suffered
enough in this matter. Let all of us who shoe horses come to-
gether and be as one man in heart and mind. Let by-gones be
by-gones. Let all past jealousies and rivalries go, never to be
resurrected. As Longfellow says, "Let the dead Past liury its
dead." Let us get together and be true to one another. Fix
a schedule of prices such as each member of the organization can
agree upon. Then stand by your prices like good, honest men.
There is a living in your business for you all, and those that stand
firmest for honest prices are those who do most to make tlie V)usi-
ness successful and prosperous. You all know that horseshoeing
is hard work, and that every man who shoes horses is entitled to
good pay, l)oth for his hard labor and his knowledge. I feel as-
sured tliat if you will all take the good advice I have given you,
not one of you need fear the results. Fix your prices and stand by
them like honest men. By so doing you will command the respect
of the community at large, and there is not a man within the sound
of my voice Init wants to be respected among the best classes of his
fellow citizens.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRAINING AND RESPONSIBIL-
ITIES OF FARRIERS.

I can c-onceive of notliiii!^ luoro painful to a luimane and
thoughtful mind than the intense, long-continued, and Ji('1[)1gss
sulVering that the unskilled and careless *f a rri'T so often inflicts on
man's patient, mute, and ihi-ffon' uin-oinplaining, frii-nd, tin*
horse, by sending, a nail tearing through the keenly sensitive
nerves of his foot. A human licing with a nail in his foot can go
to a i)hysician, <ir at least can make the trouble known, and have
something done to relieve the pain. If a gravel-stone, or other
hard siil)stance, gets intn his shoe, he can remove it. If the shoe
pinches, or otherwise hurts, it can be laid aside and the foot
rested, or another shoe put on in its place. Now, suppose that,
without the power of si)eecli. without the ability to remove this
shoe, some other being w<mld thus injure a man's foot, would
force on a shoe too tight, or otherwise badly fitting and hurtful,
ami should so fasten it that it could not be removed, what suffer-
ing he would endure, what sympathy would be aroused for liim,
what efforts would be made for his relief, what laws would be
passed and enforced to i^revent and punish such inhumanity 1
But the sufferings of the poor animal, whose services are so closely
connected with the toils, the pleasures, even the development, of
our race, are seldom even thought of. Indeed, a majority of
persons seem to think that a horse's foot is only a hard, horny
mas.s, without capacity for pain or ft^eling, that maybe hacked,
pared, burned, nailed and mutilated at will by any apj)rentice or
other person who chooses to claim al^ility enough to fasten a piece
of iron to what he seems to consider as a mere piece of inanimate
matter. This is a great mistake. The horse's foot is a l^eautiful
structure, highly organized, containing nerves, Idood-vessels,
delicate joints, and other organs and mechanism, whose arrange-
(xiv/0

TRAIXIXG AND KESPONSIBILITIES OF FARRIERS. XlYl

ment, j)lan, and purpose should be, at least in part, known by the
farrier, and he is not fit for his work if he does not know some-
tliing of this. And if he will not voluntarily study and learn
this, he should be compelled to do so, or be forbidden to jAj his
pretended trade. A certain amount of professional training and
knowledge should be made necessary, and compulsory, by the
legislatures of every state in the Union ; nay, by every law-making
power of the world. Why should not schools for the training and
education of farriers be established, and a diploma, or the certifi-
cate of some competent examining board, as evidence'of a certain
amount of knowledge of the suljject, be required, before a farrier
should be allowed to practice on the living, innocent, helpless
animal? And why is this not as necessary to prevent the needless
destruction and damage to property, as to prevent cruelty to dumb
animals? How many horses are either temporarily injured, hope-
lessly ruined, or prematurely killed by the unskillfulness and
carelessness complained of! In my opinion, most of the horses
of this country do not live out half their days of usefulness on
this account.

But there are already some considerations that it would be
well for all farriers, either pretended or real, to bear in mind. It
is a well-recognized princijile of law, that a person holding himself
out to the world as a person of sufficient skill to do certain things
is liable for all damages resulting from his want of such skill as
he has led those employing him to think he possesses. Thus, a
man holding himself out to the world as a surgeon would be liable
for all damages to a person who employs him, for instance, to set
a broken arm, if, from the want of reasonable skill as a surgeon,
he should so set the broken limb that it should thereafter be
crooked, or partly or wholly disabled, on account of such bad set-
ting. So a blacksmith, who claims to be a farrier, would be
liable to the owner of a horse which such smith should injure,
lame, or ruin, by reason of his want of skill as a farrier.

There is another reason that should make an unskillful far-

XlVy TRAIN INC. AND RESPONSIinLITIES OF FARRIERS.

rier ctiuti<ius al)tiut can-lpssly inllicling such teirlure mi a poor,
helpless animal intrusted to his caro.

The subject of criK^lty to animals is one that is well worthy
of, and is, exciting, the attention of not only all ju^'sons wlio have
any feeling, Init also of state legislatures and other law-making
liodii'S. Why should the man who inlliets ti-mporarv |)ain to a
liorse. l>v the momentary use of a whi[), or in some such i)assing
way. lie punisiied, while he who inllicts lasting torture, hy his
criminal I »ungling, goes scot free? I l)elieve tliat tlie law to pre-
vent cruelty to animals applies to these latter persons even more
strongly than to the former.

In conclusion. 1 wouhl urge upon all })erson8 interested in
that noblest of animals, t lie horse, to helj) awaken and develop a
feeling and sentiment tluit will call for the establishment of
training-schools for instruction similar to those for surgical,
medical, and pharmaceutical purposes, and to secure the passage
of such laws as Avill prevent the ignorant and incompetent bunglers
from either carelessly or otherwise torturing and damaging horses,
as has so frequently been done in the i)ast.

Sec. 8721. Intcrpretdtlon of rrrtnia icords. In this chapter,
and in every law of the state relating to or in any manner affect-
ing animals, the word "animal" shall be held to include every
living dumb creature; the words "torture," "torment," and
"cruelty" shall be ]i(4(l to include every act, omission, or neglect,
whereby unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused,
permitted, or allowed to continue, when there is a reasonable
remedy or relief ; aiul the words "owner" and "person" shall be
held to include corporations; and the knowledge and acts of
agents, employes of corporations, in regard to animals transported,
owned, employed by, or in the custody of a corporation, shall be
held to be the act of such corporation.

Ignorance, negligence, or malice is no excuse of the law.

TABLE OF CUNTEjNTS. XV

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Portrait of Author ii

Diploma, Cincinnati Industrial Exposition v

]\Iedals and Report on Awards, Centennial Commission vii

^Medals and Awards, World's Columbian Exposition , viii

Tennessee Centennial Exposition x

Introduction to Fourth Edition xi

Preface to Fourth Edition xiii

List of Illustrations xxi

CHAPTER I.
The Horse in General.

Judging the Useful Qualities of Horses 25

The Ideal Horse 26

Light Horses 26

Symmetrical Qualities 27

Judging Action 28

(Structural J^xamination , 29

Muscular Development 29

Front Limbs 30

Feet and Legs 31

The Trunk 81

Hind Limbs 42

CHAPTER II.

Bones of the Horse.

The Trunk. 33

The Limbs 33

The Bones in Detail 34

The Bones Enumerated 35

The Skeleton Described 37

CHAPTER III.

The Foot and Locomotor y Apparatus.

The Subject Defined 38

Motion in General 38

The Limbs in General 39

The Foot in General 39

Bones at the Foot 40

XVI TABLE OF CONTENTS,

PAGE.

The Pedal or Coffiu-bone 40

Bones and their ArticulationB 41

Ligaments and Lubricants 41

Muscles of tlu' Foot and Leg 42

Soft Tissues 4;l

Sensitive Tissues 44

Circulation of the Foot 45

Nerve Suj^ply 4()

Horny Tissues 4(>

The Wall, the Sole, the Frog 47

Development of the Hoof 4H

Importance of the Subject 4<>

Colored Plates, with Anatomical Sections, described 50

Queries and Answers, Outlining the Anatomy of the Foot ti3

CH A PTKR IV.

Practical IIorseshoeing — Science, Akt and Common Sense.

Prof. Russell in His Study (57

Necessity of Shoeing 08

Past and Present 69

Important to Horsemen 70

Essential Knowledge 71

Condensed Anatomy 72

The Center of (iravity 7:\

Emphasizing the Facts 74

Variation of Feet 75

The Angle of Incidence 75

What Rule to go by 75

How to get on in the Work 76

Farriers' Tools 76

Russell's Scientific Foot Adjuster 77

The Adjuster Applied — for Leveling and Balancing the Foot 77

Other Mechanical Aids '. 77

Method of Procedure 78

Different Kinds of Feet 81

The Natural Model 81

Rational Shoeing 82

Fundamental Principles 82

Securing the Levels 83

Maintaining the Balance 83

Preparing the Foot for the Shoe 83

" Opening up the Heels " 84

Indefensible Practices 85

Thinning out the Sole 85

Trimming the Frog 85

Weight of the Shoe 86

Form of the Shoe 88

Setting the Shoe 88

TABLE OF CONTENTS. xvil

PAGE.

Hot and Cold Fitting 88

Adaptation of the Shoe 90

Fullering and Punching 91

Concerning the Nails 91

Driving the Nails 92

The Finished Work 92

Sizes and Uses of Nails 93

CHAPTER V.
Shoeing Young Horses — Action and Gait.

Practical Balance of Foot and Leg lO^a

A Cause of Unbalanced Feet IC'S/

Condition of Action 104

Care Bestowed in Colthood lOfl

First Trial of Shoes lOiJ

Modifications of Action lOi)

Care of Horses' Mouths 107

Handling Young Horses lOS

Determining the Gait 10!)

Regulating the Gait 110

Balancing the Action 110

The Useful Gait 112

CHAPTER VL

Special and General Shoeing.

Different Kinds of Feet 114

The Running or Galloping Horse 115

The Trotting Horse ,. 117

Records of Champion Trotters from 1 806 to 1894 118

The Pacing Horse 121

The Racking Horse ] 21

The General Purpose Horse 122

The Draft Horse 123

Frog Pressure 127

Proportions of the Hoof 128

Resetting the Shoes 1 29

Gait of Speed Horses 130

CHAPTER VJI.
Lameness and Diseases of the Foot.

Pathological Shoeing 131

Causation of Diseases 132

Locating the Lameness • • • • 134

Laminitis or Founder 136

Primary or Passive Stage 137

Acute Stage — Villitis ' 137

Chronic or Violent Stage 138

Complications of Laminitis — Dropped Sole 141

Peditis, Periostitis, Suppuration 142

Seedy Toe 14::

o

win TAJ5LE OF COXTKNTS.

I'AGK.

Complications of Laminitis — I)ro2>peil Solo 141

I'l'dit is, reriostitis, Sui)i)Ui ation 142

SeeJy Toe 143

Dished Foot 116

Side BoiK's (Ossified Caililapjes i 147

Tarallel of Xijrmal ami Abnormal Leg Bones 14S

Hot Fitting, Clijis and Spurs Ill

Contraction 1"')4

Toe Cracks 139

C^uarter Cracks Kil

Corns • 1 03

Kavicular Disease 105

Kaised or Twisted Coronet 108

Another l^xainple of IVditic Disorganization 170

Dislied-wheel Foot 17(?

AVheeled Foot 173

Defective Ankle Joints or Knuckling 174

Knee Sprung 170

Curb 178

Bone Spavin ISO

Bog Spavin 181

Canker 181

Foot Rot or Seedy Toe 182

Broken Bars 1 85

Danieness and Diseases of the Foot 186

Abnormal Feet 188

CHAPTER VI 1 1.
Faults of Structukk and Action.

Regulated or Restricted by Shoeing 198

Faulty Positions of the Limbs and Feet 200

Care of the Foot from Colthood 204

Splay Foot — Knee Hitting 205

Forging or Clicking 208

Speedy Cutting 211

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting 212

Sprains of the Tendons 213

Elbow and Arm Cutting 214

Adjustable Toe Weight 214

!More about Ankle, Shin and Knee Hitting 216

Speed Shoes 217

Shoes for Quarter Crack 221

Rate of Speed of Trotters and Paceis 225

TABLE OF CONTENTS. XIX

CHAPTER IX.

Specific a\d IJemedial Shoeing. page.

Its Purpose and Scope Delineateil 227

Centennial Shoe, No. 1 229

Centennial Shoe, No. 2 230

Centennial Shoe, No. 3 230

Raised Spring Shoe 231

Scooped Toe RolHng-Motiou Shoi> 232

" Goldsmith Maid " Bar Shoe 233

Shoe to Prevent Forging, etc 233

Non-paddling Shoe 234

Rolling Motion Shoe, No. 1 235

Eolling Motion Shoe, No. 2 236

Shoe to Prevent Stumbling 236

Toe Weight Shoe 238

Improved Toe Weight Shoe 238

Turn-Table Shoe 239

Common-Sense Shoe 240

Side Weight Shoe 242

Rolling-Motion Shoe on Foot 242

Shoes for Draft Horses 243

Slice to Prevent Paddling, Cutting, etc 244

Shoe for Bruised Heels, Corns, etc 244

Shoe to Balance and Slow Action of Trotting Horses 245

Shoe for Track and Road Horses 246

Slioe for Ankle Hitting , 246

Shoe to Widen Action 247

Side-Weight Shoe to Equalize the Wearing 248

Shoe to Prevent Ankle Cutting 248

Shoe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 249

Shoe to Prevent Bruising and Calking 250

Slioe to Prevent Twisting 250

Shoe for Wheeled Foot 251

Scooped-Toe Rolling Motion Shoe 251

Shoe for Line Trotters, to Prevent Scalping 252

Bar Shoe, for Line Trotters 253

Rasp-Cut Shoe to Prevent Slipping 253

Rasp-Cut Shoe to Prevent Slipping 254

Haised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 254

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe 255

Center Bearing Double Rolling-Motion Bar Shoe 255

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe for Speedy Cutting 256

Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe 256

Three-quarter Shoe 257

Shoes for Sprained Tendons (five views) 258

Spreading Shoe (two views) 260

Shoe to Prevent Dragging and Forging 261

Slioe to Prevent Anide Hitting 261

>

XX TAli].E OF COiNTENTS.

PA (IK.

Use and Abuse of Tips 2(1-

JSliarpeiiing or Winter JShoeing 2(y,i

All About Calks 2(U

Bracing or Crutch Shoes 2M

Knuckling .Shoes 2(iU

Shoe for Pacing and Trotting; 2.S7

Shoe for Sjilay-footod Horse 2SS

Shoe to Prevent Puddling 289

Four-calked Bar Shoe 290

Front Foot Shoe, to Quicken the Action in Front 291

For too much Knee Action 292

Bastard Running Plate 29:5

Shoe to Prevent Cross-firing 293

Double Grab Front Shoe in the Quarters 294

To l?iace up Weak Ankles 294

Hitching, its Cause and Cure 29(>

Leg and Foot Tester 299

CHAPTEIi X.

A T.MiLE.vi" OF Horseshoes and Tools.

No. 1. Case and Description of Farriers' Tools 304

No. 2. Case and Description of Shoes 30(5 \ Showing a progressive

No. 3. Case and Description of Shoes 308 I series of 270 different

No. 4. Case and Description of Shoes 310 j patternsof oldand new

No. 5. Case and Description of Shoes 312 j styles for all purjjoses.

A Case of Fine Horseshoes, made by Prof. Wm. Russell 314

Russell's Scientitic Foot and Heel Adjusters 319

Russell's Hand Vi.se for Hot Filing and Foot Testers 319

CHAPTER XI.

Useful Prescriptions.

Cleansing the Feet 322

Foot Salve, for Various Di.seases, Wounds, etc 322

Liniment for Inflammations 324

Caustic AVash for General Purposes 324

AVitch Hazel Wash 325

CHAPTER XIL

Valuable Hints to Farriers.

Maud S's Stride 32G

Jay Gould's Stride 333

Natural Trotters 336

Cross-firing 338

Splay Foot 340

Pigeon Toe 340

The Line Trotter 341

Hitching and Hopping 343

Outlines of the Horse 34t>

LIST OF ILLUSTKATIONS. XXI

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

1. Model Light Horse 24

2. Skeleton of the Horse 36

o. Bones of the Foot 50

4. Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints of Leg and Foot 51

5. Median Section of Leg and Foot from Base to Knee 52

6. Side of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Laminae 53

7. Front of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Laminae 54

8. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — outer side 55

9. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — inner side 56

10. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — front 57

11. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — back 58

12. Plantar Face of Coffin-bone and Insertion of Tendon 59

13. Plantar Reticulum — with Veins, Nerves, etc 60

14. Velvety Tissue or Sensitive Sole and Plantar Cusl^ion 61

15. Inside View of Perfect Hoof 62

16. Bed Plate of Russell's Foot Adjuster 94

17. Side View of Adjuster 94

18. Front View of Adjuster 94

19. Back View of Adjuster 95

20. Russell's Leveling Plate 95

21. Compass for Spanning the Hoof, etc 95

22. Position of Foot for Examination 96

23. Sole or Lower Face of Perfect Foot Leveled, etc 97

24. Upper Face of Perfect Foot 98

25. Side of Perfect Leg and Foot Leveled and Balanced 99

26. Transverse Section of Foot and Leg 100

27. Front Foot Shoe for General Purposes 101

28. Side of Perfect Foot Properly Shod as directed 102

29. Full Size Section of Perfect Hoof— showing Natural Proportions — with

Shoe Properly Nailed in "Position 103

30. Racing Plate for Running Horses 116

31. English Seated Shoe for Saddle Horses 122

32. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 126

33. Hind Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 126

34. Median Section of a " Foundered " Foot 139

35. Front Foot Shoe for Dropped Flat or Weak-Soled Feet 140

36. Side of Hoof with Shoe Sprung off the Heel 141

37. Bottom View of same Hoof 141

38. Coffin-bone Distorted by Laminitis and Peditis 142

39. Specimen of Seedy Toe 143

X\lL LIST C»i" ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

40. A nothcr Example of Seedy Toe 1 44

41. Tlie Same Hoof Straightened on One Side 14")

42. Dished Foot and Dropped Sole 1 4(1

48. Side Bone or Ossified Cartilage 147

44. Hoof from which Fig. 4;> was taken J47

45. Normal Position of Foot and Leg Bones 148

4«). Abnormal Position of same 148

47. Outside Appearance of Side Bones 150

48. Hoof of Draft Horse with Spur Inside 151

49. Bottom of same Hoof showing Contraction, etc 152

50. Median Section of Hoof showing Spurs, etc 152

51. Upper Face of Coflin-bone worn by Spur, etc 153

52. Contracted Hoof 155

53. Lower Face of Same Hoof 155

64. Median Section of Foot showing EfTects of Contraction 1.56

55. Mule's Hoof Overgrown and Contracted 158

56. Mule Shoe 158

57. Toe Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed ] 59

5S. Quarter Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed and Shod 161

59. Bottom of Hoof Projjerly Shod for Quarter Crack 162

60. Inside of Hoof showing Toe Corns 164

61. Navicular Disease as Indicated by the Hoof 166

62. Navicular Bone Diseased (one half size) 166

63. Bar Shoe for Navicular Disease 167

64. Raised Coronet as seen from Back of Hoof 169

65. Peditis, or Chronic Laminitis shown by Abnormal Hoof 170

66. Median Section of same Hoof showing Structural Changes 171

67. Back View of Hoof showing Dished Quarter and Curled Heel 172

68. Side View of Another Dished P^oot 1 73

69. Side View of AVheeled Foot 1 74

70. Knuckling or Defective Ankle Joint 1 74

71. Shoe to Prevent and Cure Knuckling 175

72. Position of Leg when Knee Sprung 176

73. Hind Leg, Showing Curb 179

74. Same, Bandaged and Shod 1 79

7."). Hoof with Seedy Toe, Shod 184

7o. Section of Hoof AflTected with Seedy Toe 184

77. Disease of Coronet 1 86

78. Healthy Foot Covered by Swab 187

79. Felt Swab 188

80. Perfect Front Foot 188

81. Coffin Bone — Lateral View of Correct Position 189

82. Pligh Toe 190

83. Coffin Bone in Case of High Toe 190

84. High Heels 191

85. Coffin Bone in Case of High Heels 191

86. Coffin Bone— Vertical ; . 192

S7. Coffin Bone— out of Vertical 192

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXiil

I'.VGE.

88. Perfect Front Limb aud Foot li)3

89. Front Limb and Toe — Pointing 103

90. Result of High Heel 194

91. Foot Properly Pared 195

92. Foot after Being Bandaged and Shod 196

93. Soaking Tub 197

94. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 200

95. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (back view) 201

96. Correct Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 202

97. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 202

98. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 203

99. Correct Positions of Fore Legs (front and side) 203

100. Shoe for Splay Foot and Chronic Knee Hitters 208

101. Shoe for the Relief of Sore Tendons, etc 213

102. Adjustable Toe Weight (side view) 215

103. Adjustable Toe AVeight (ground treadl 215

104. Front Foot Shoe, for Ankle or Shin Hitting 216

105. Hind Foot Shoe, for ankle or Shin Hitting 216

106. Bar Shoe for Wide Movement 217

107. Record Breaker Front Shoe 218

108. Record Breaker Hind Shoe 218

109. Record Breaker— Grab Shoe 219

110. Improved Grab Shoe 220

111. Shoe for Quarter Crack Set on Well-balanced Foot 221

112-113. Variations of same 222

114. Quarter Crack Shoe Set on Foot 223

115. Side View of Foot Shod for Quarter Crack 224

116. Shoe for Quarter Crack 225

117. Centennial Shoe, No. 1 , 229

118. Centennial Shoe, No. 2 230

119. Centennial Shoe, No. 3 231

120. Raised Spring Bar Shoe 231

121. Scooped-Toe Rolling-:\rotion Shoe 232

122. " Goldsmith Maid" Bar Shoe 233

123. Shoe to Lessen Knee Action, Prevent Forging, etc 233

124. Non-Paddling Shoe 234

125. Rolling-Motion Shoe, No. 1, for Knee Sprung, Sore Tendons, etc 235

126. Rolling-Motion Shoe, No. 2 236

127. Front Foot Shoe to Prevent Stumbling, etc 236

128. Front Foot Toe-Weight Shoe to Balance Action 238

129. Improved Toe-Weight Shoe 238

130. Front Foot Turn-Table Shoe, for Various Diseases 239

131. Double Roller Shoe 240

132. Common-Sense Four-Calk Shoe, for Faulty ^Movemcmts 241

133. Front Foot Side-Weight Shoe, for Ankle or Knee Hitting 242

134. Side of Foot with Roller Motion Shoe 242

135. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 243

136. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 243

XXIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE.

137. Kon-paddliiig Shoe, Anklo and Shin Cutting 244

138. Shoe for liniised and Ukered Heels, Corns, etc .... 244

139. Shoe to Bahxnce and Slow Action of Trotters 245

140. Shoe for Truck and Road Horses 246

141. Shoe for Extreme Cases of Ankle and Knee Hitting 246

142. Shoe to Widen the Action Ik-hind : 247

143. Hind Foot Side-Weight Shoe 248

144. Hind Foot Shoe for Ankle Cutting 248

145. Siioe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 249

146. Shoe to Prevent Bruising or Calking the Coronet 250

147. Shoe with Calkins to Prevent Twisting 250

148. Shoe for Wheeled Foot 251

149. Scooped-Toe Rolling Alotioa Shoe 252

150. Siioe for Line Trotters to Prevent Scalping 252

151. Bar Shoe for Line Trotters 253

152. Rasp-Cut Bar Shoe to Prevent Slipping 253

153. Rasp-Cut Seoojied-Toe Grab Shoe 254

154. Raised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 254

155. Scoop-Toe Grab Shoe 255

156. Center-Bearing Double Rolling-^Iotion Bar Shoe 255

157. Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe to Prevent Speedy Cutting ^. . 256

158. Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe to Prevent Slipping 256

159. Three-quarter Spring Tongue Shoe for Sand Cracks, etc 257

IGO. Shoe on Hoof for Sprained Tendons, Wounds, etc 258

161. Modified Form of Same Shoe 258

162. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 160 259

163. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 161 259

164. Foot Bearing Surface of Shoe, Figs. 161 and 163 259

165. Ground Surface of Spreading Shoe 260

166. Foot Bearing Surface of Same Shoe 260

167. Shoo to Prevent Dragging and Forging 261

168. Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 261

169. Right Front Bracing Shoe 264

170. Left Front Bracing Shoe 265

171. Split Bar Shoe 265

172. Broad Bar Beveled Shoe 266

173. Left Hind Shoe 266

174. Shoe to Correct Cutting Inside Point of Toe 267

175. Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 268

176. Same 268

177. Illustration of Knuckling 269

178-179. Shoe to Prevent Knuckling 270

180-181.- Shoes for Inner and Outer Contraction 271

1S2-1S3. Anti-dragging Shoe Set on Foot 272

184. Half Bar Shoe for Coutraction of Outside Heels and Quarters 273

185. Side View of Heel and Quarter 274

186. Front Foot Shoe, to Prevent Slipping on Brick and Granite Streets. . 275

187. Front Foot Shoe for Thin Shell or AVall 276

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XX \

PACiE

188. Front Foot Four Calked Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 276

18!). Front Foot Shoe for Pacer 277

190. Hind Foot Shoe, to Stop Cross-firing 277

191 . Rim Shoe, to Lengthen Stride 278

192. Rim Shoe, to Shorten and Quicken Stride 279

193. Rim Shoe, to Regulate the Stride 279

194. New Design of Running Plate 280

195. Rim Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 280

196. Four Calked Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 281

197. Hind Shoe for Hock Action 281

198. Heel Weight Shoe 282

199. Front Shoe, to Prevent Knee-hitting 283

200. Front Foot Shoe for Side Bones 283

201. Ice Shoe 285

202. Padding and Knee-hitting Shoe 286

203. Shoe for Pacing and Trotting 287

204. Shoe for Splay-footed Horse 288

205. Shoe to Prevent Paddling 289

206. Four-calked Bar Shoe 290

207. Front Foot Shoe, to Quicken the Action in Front 291

208. For too much Knee Action 292

209. Bastard Running Plate 293

210. Shoe to Prevent Cross-firing 293

211. Double Grab Front Shoe in the Quarters 294

212. To Brace up AVeak Ankles 294

213. Case No. 1. Improved Tools for Scientific Horseshoeing 304

214. Case No. 2. Description of Shoes 306

215. Case No. 3. Description of Shoes 308

216. Case No. 4. Description of Shoes 310

217. Case No. 5. Description of Shoes 312

218. A Case of Fine Horseshoes, by Prof. Wm. Russell 314

219. Prof. Russell's Hospital Case 315

220. The Twentieth Century 316

221. Gold Medal, Awarded to Prof. Wm. Russell, at Pittsburgh, Pa., 1899. 317

222. Case of Tools, Microscopical Size, made from Russell's Perfect Horse

shoe Nails 318

223. Russell's Foot Adjuster 319

224. Russell's Heel Adjuster 319

225. Russell's Hand Vise for Hot Rasping Shoes 320

226. Russell's Foot Testers 320

SCIENTIFIC HORSBSHOBING.

CHAPTER I.
THE HORSE IN GENERAL.

JUDGING THE USEFUL QUALITIES OF LIGHT HORSES.

At the present day, when the horse is so universally em-
ployed, and when, as a rule, each description of work is per-
formed by an animal having qualities especially adapted for it,
most men claim to be familiar with the general characteristics
that distinguish or mark the several types of horses, but few are
really quahfied to make an accurate discrimination between
them, or have the ability to recognize or to judge knowingly of
the " points " of a horse when it confronts them. This demands
a close study of the useful qualities of a horse in all his spheres
of labor, as well as a close knowledge of his vices, defects, and
relative soundness in all parts, and implies the possession of ripe
experience, extensive observation, and intimate acquaintance
with the ideals that guide breeders in the countless shiftings of
their work to suit the varying dictates of utility and fashion.
These attainments are rare and difficult possessions. Previous,
therefore, to making a critical examination of the organs and
functions of locomotion, in their relation to shoeing, which is in-
tended to be the main theme of this book, it is best to take a
preliminary view of the horse at large, that will, by a natural
and easy process, lead to a discussion of the details of the
subject.

(25)

26 SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIXG.

Ideal Horse. — The ideal type of horse is the l)lendiiiij: to-
o^ether of a ii^reat iiiaiiv, and this inav ai-couiit fof the diverii'euee
of opinion respecting it, for it is only ideal in the minds of
some; each see in part and contribute tlieir observation, and the
ideal type becomes evolved; and it is in kno\vin<j,- this type that
the skill of the judge is displayed.

Light Horses. — It is by patient labor that great works are
acconi])lished, and this a}>plies with much force and truth to the
Anu'i'ican method of breeding and training young horses to-day.
The trotting horse is distinctively America's national horse and
par excellence tlie light roadster of the world, and has been
evolved iVoin the thoroughbred and di'aft horse in a period of
less than one hundred years, until now he stands the product of
the highest and most ]>erfect development of grace, speed, and
nervous animal force. The light horses of America maybe said
to be included mostly under three heads^the roadster, carriage,
and cob; and basing this division on tlie sphere in which each
of the types act, we find the trotter the pure bred prototype of
the roadster, the coach breeds of Europe bearing the same rela-
tion to the carriage horse of every-day occupation, and the hack-
ney the progenitor of the cob.

The qualities that have the highest value in the roadster are
speed, stamina, and style; speed at the trotting gait, and the
talent of making a pleasing display. Such a horse must have
a free and easy way of going, with a spirited and graceful move-
ment. The typical roadster has a well-1)alanced stride and a
high-headed straight movement that wastes no efibrt or time.
lie is not a light horse, nor a heavy one, but has the deep chest,
round barrel and long-drawn quarters, chiseled limbs, tense mus-
cles, dense clean bone, lean tendons, and refined appearance ob-
servable among the best turf campaigners.

The prominent peculiarities of the carriage horse may be
grouped as style, size, and substance. The sphere of the car-

THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 27

riage horse is different from the roadster, and the type is tall,
with a muscular, large-boned, up and outstanding attitude,
liaving the appearance of style and a comparatively slow
movement.

The cob is the counterpart of the hackney in the common
current of horse life, distinguished by the series of beautiful
■curves that define the outline. The rotundity of the rib and the
plump muscular quarters and arched molding of the neck are
influential features in producing the appearance. In movement,
the spirit, dash, and striking muscular action of the knees and
hocks impress the beholder with the style it displays and the
appearance of graceful effort without corresponding speed.

These different types embrace also what might be said here
in description of the different forms, and include in a general
w^ay the three points of size, symmetry, and substance.

The carriage horse should be sixteen hands, the cob fifteen
hands two inches, and the roadster has no recognized limits. It
is liard to say to what degree size adds to a horse's value.
Speed does not seem to be always an associate of size, but as the
market runs it would be advisable to give it some consideration
in the roadster classes.

Symmetrical Qualities. — The proportions of a horse for
symmetry should be such as to make a well-balanced whole.
The trotter has a proportion of parts peculiarly its own, and
likewise the other types, and any deviation from these should
be considered. The substance of a horse is not solely related to
weight. It is a consideration bearing on power and endurance;
the density of bone, curve of muscle, and development of the
vital organs are the chief concern, and durability as connected
with these qualities is of prime importance to all horses. The
term, good or high quality, as applied to horses, is understood
to refer to clean-cut features, glove-like skin, silky hair, and
firm, clean bone and tendons; these are evidences of good

28 SCIKXTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

healthy organization and vul liable indications of power under
hard strains of usage.

Judging Action. — To i'oi-iu a correct idea of the action of
a liorse, it is necessary to observe it from the front, at the sides,
and behind. As he squares away from you, tlie width and
straightness of the movement may be noticed. An outward
swing to the hind hnd)s, as weil as a dishing in of the front
action, is to be discountenanced. As the horse comes toward
you, tlie smoothness ot" action is mack' a})parcnt. A wide chest
is usually connected with a rolling motion that gives a horse an
awkward method of moving. From a side view, it is easy to
observe if the action is balanced, and the knee action can be
noted. A stiff knee action may indicate speed when it is rapid
and gliding, but it is hard on the fore legs. The front action
should be such as to give the limbs the appearance of unfolding
gradually and steadily reaching out to cover as much ground as
possible., Many horses have an easy, pleasant knee action, but
the fault lies in the slowness of recovery. In the action of the
hind limbs, the style and hock movement should be observed.
Jlorscs that are loiiir-backcd or weak-loined have a dwelling
action behind that is unpleasing and detracts from their speed.
If there is any thing the matter with the joints of a horse, it is
quicklv disclosed bv the irre2;ularitv of their action. Most in-
tirmities have a distinct influence on the regularity of the move-
ment. The walk is also of great importance in considering the
action. The horse should carry his head well up and his step
should be lightly measured and deliberate, his feet being lifted
clear of the ground and placed down evenly. The hind and
fore limbs should work in unison, with an elastic, nervy move-
ment that lifts some of the soil with every step. The flexion of
the hocks should be free and straight, throwing the hind feet
well under the body.

THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 29

Structural Examination. — The chief aim of a critical
structural examination is to discover blemishes and any un-
soundness of " wind or limb."

It is of equal importance to recognize the conformation
that gives rise to these diseases. The conformation favorable to
the various diseases should be as familiar to the horse critic as
the appearance of tlie diseases. The structural examination
should begin at the head and extend over all regions systemat-
ically, so that no parts may be overlooked. The shape of the
head and the expression of the countenance add to the beauty
and tell much of the mind and disposition of a horse. When
the line from the poll to the point of the nose is almost
straight, it contributes greatly to the beauty of a horse's head.
The nostrils should be widely expanded, as indicating well-devel-
oped respiratory organs. The features of the face should be dis-
tinct, the muzzle fine, with breadth enough between the eyes to
give a pleasing, docile, sensible appearance, and to mark the in-
dication of brain development. A large, bright, clear, full eye
reflects a kind, courageous disposition, with plenty of staying
power or stamina at the bottom. Active and slightly pointed
ears are indicative of unimpaired hearing and an energetic dis-
position. A lithe, distinctly-lined neck is one of the most
pleasing and taking features of a handsome horse. It begins
with a light throttle and swells smoothly into the shoulders.
The wind-pipe stands out large and distinct below, while above,
the crest gives a fuller curve and more muscular development to
the part. The chest should be deep rather than broad, as giving
equal capacity while permitting the free play of the shoulder-
blade on the body. The floor of the chest should be low be-
tween the fore legs, and of good length from the point of the
chest to that of the elbow.

Muscular Development. — The formation of the shoulders
has much to do with the elasticity and quickness of the front

3U SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

action. The length and obliquity of the shoulder-blades are the
influential features. A long shoulder-blade implies long mus-
cles, and these possess the greatest elasticity. Short and heavy
muscles are productive of power at the expense of speed. Up-
riglit shoulders result in a sliort, stilted front action, wliile slop-
ing shoulders give the leg a far-reaching motion. Horses of
this conformation carry their heads well and legs well under the
body, that adds much to their appearance.

Front Limbs. — As a whole, the front legs should be rather
Hat and cordy, due to properly attaclied tendons. In their pro-
portions, the limbs should be long from the elbow to the knee
and relatively short from thence to the ground. It is the upper
part that is muscular, the lower portion being controlled by ten-
dons, and it is desirable to have these muscles long and the dis-
tance over whirh the tendons move short, that there may be no
waste of energy and a better control over the lower extremities.

Breadth and depth are very desirable in the knee, that con-
cussion may be better distributed and carried oft". The pisi-
form-bone should be sharp and prominent, for to it is attached
one of the important nmscles of the fore limb. The cannon
should be short, flat, and clean of any thickness of tendon or
bone disease. A pastern of the proper proportions not only
adds to the gracefulness and elasticity of the action, but to its
reach as well. A slope of forty-five to fifty degrees seems to be
about right to give tlie required degree of strength and supple-
ness,. When the pastern is too long, weakness follows; but
when right in length and slope, there is a combination of
strength, elasticity, and gracefulness beautiful to observe.

. When the foot leaves the ground the pastern is bent back,
but wlien it again touches the ground, it is extended fully and
brings the foot down on its heels. There is no other part of
the mechanism of a horse that does more work and does it with
less friction than a sound and perfectly proportioned pastern.

THE HORSE IX GENERAL. 31

Feet and Legs. — It is unnecessary for me to say that the
feet should receive the most rigorous and careful criticism. The
old maxim, " no foot, no horse," is to all intents and purposes
more applicable to-day than when it was first expressed.

The perfect foot is of firm texture, fair size, and, of course,
thoroughly sound in all its parts. The general healthiness of
it is denoted by the natural waxy appearance of the horny
fibers, the well-formed, cup-like sole, and the marks of natural
usage of the spongy frog as a bufter.

Flatness of sole, dessicated or brittle walls, and contracted
heels owing to mutilation of the frog, are defections commonly
met with, not to say any thing of the abnormal variations that
occur in the direction of the axis of the foot, A skillful judge
may w^ell spend one-half of his allotted time on the feet of the
Lorses undergoing examination, to detect or give tokens of
recognition to any defects of the wall, to see that the horn is
dense and free from cracks ; the sole, to observe the absence of
any disease and the presence of the natural concavity and con-
nections ; the heel to see that the feet are medium size and of
proper shape, the frog large and wide, and the bars strong
and high. ■

The Trunk. — Passing onward the ribs claim attention.
Round ribs that spring out from the spine may give the horse
the appearance of being too long in the legs, but they are
nevertheless good in point of giving the greatest amount of
space to the vital organs. Close coupling to the hip is strength,
and so is a broad loin thick with layers of muscles. Consider-
ing the proportions of the body, it is evident that the shorter it
is above and the longer it is beneath, the better for the action.
This formation gives rise to the approving term that "he stands
over a deal of ground," and is associated with sloping shoulders.
In such a conformation the legs have free play, and there is no
loss of strength.

32 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Hind Limbs. — Tlie liiiul (juurtors should be scrutinized as
to muscular dovelopineut. From the cotistruction of tlio liind
quarters, it is observable that most of the propelling power
comes from this source, and though the fore hand contributes
in a degree, yet it chietiy supports the weight and carries the
body; in fact, we may almost compare the hind and fore legs
of the horse to the drivers and forward trucks of a locomotive.
The shoulder-blade of the fore leg, attached only by nmscles,
]»lays upon the body loosely, while the hind limb is connected
to it by a powerful ball- and socket-joint. The muscular de
velopment of the hind legs should be such as to cover any
ranginess of the hips, which should also be wide and level. The
croup from hip to tail requires length, width, atid muscle to give
it proportion and service. Long and muscular thighs, well
spread and open-angled, provide for a long, quick stride. The
quarters require an abundance of muscle extending well down
on the legs. Below^ this the gaskin, or lower thigh, should be
long so as to let the hock well down, and it should also be mus-
cular and wide. For the hock to do its work to the best ad-
vantage and remain free from disease, it is necessary for it to be
straight, broad in front, sharp behind, and free from any gum-
miness. Experience, knowledge and observation are essentials
to the accurate judgment of these various points, as I have al-
ready indicated. And much more might be written on the sub-
ject, but tlie foundation of facts which I have thus far prepared
will be found sufficiently broad, I trust, to include whatever may
be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the essential
matters involved in judging light horses as most commonly pur-
sued, the primary object being to show that scrupulous care
must be constantly employed in the selection to secure a good
representative of the equine kind.

BONES OF THE HORSE. 33

CHAPTER II.
BONES OF THE HORSE.

THE SKELETON.

In the animal body, the bones form an internal framework,
consolidating the whole structure and giving it general form
and dimensions. In their connection and natural assemblage
they constitute the skeleton, and before undertaking a particular
description of the foot, it is advantageous that a summary indi-
cation of the general principles of the skeleton of a horse
should be known, in order to better understand the details of
the special parts with which we are afterward to have most to
do. The skeleton is divided into the trunk and limbs. The
trunk consists of the spine, a series of distinct bones, jointed
one to another in the middle upper part of the trunk of which
it is the essential portion, forming a flexible support to the en-
tire body from the head to the tail ; and the ribs attached to the
spine above and the sternum below, inclosing the thorax or
chest and viscera.

The Limbs. — The limbs, four in number, distinguished as

the two anterior (or fore) and the two posterior (or hind), are

the supports of the trunk, and are each divided into several

parts, resting one upon another. Each limb has four principal

regions, those of the front limbs being the shoulder, resting

against the front part of the chest ; the arm, next below the

shoulder ; the forearm, succeeding the arm ; and the foot, the

end of the limb. Those of the hind limbs are the haunch or

pelvis, connected with the hind part of the spine, and the thigh,

leg, and foot.

3 (33)

34 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Bones Detailed. — Tho various bones entering into the
composition of the skeleton of an adult horse are apportioned
to the regions of tho trunk and liinl)S, as follows:

The spine or vertebral column consists of bones more or
less regular in their form, divided into five regions.

The cervical, 7 vertebrre, serving as a base for the neck. —
The dorsal, 18 vertebrfe,to w^hich the ribs connect. — The lumbar,
6 vertebr<T, supporting the loins. — The sacral, 5 vertebrae, in age
fusing into one bone — the sacrum. — The coccygeal, 16 vertebrae^
decreasing in size to form the tail.

The first cervical is called the atlas, beins: elevated above
the others, and supports the head. The second cervical is the
axis, being the center upon which the atlas turns. The four-
teenth dorsal is the center to which all motions and weierhts
are referred.

The thorax consists of the eighteen ribs on each side,
placed against the dorsal vertebrae as mentioned, and resting by
their lower ends on the sternum, or breast-bone, 37 bones in all.

The head is divided into two regions, the cranium and face.
It is formed of 28 bones, which are distinct only in young colts,
for when matured the majority of these bones are united and
can not be separated.

The shoulder has for its base a single bone on each side —
the scapula or collar-bone — making 2 bones for double region. —
The arm has also only one bone to each limb^the humerus — or
2 for double region. — The forearm has 2 bones — the radius and
ulna — i for double region. — The forefoot, from knee down, has
16 bones, or 32 for double region — that is, the pisiform, cune-
iform, lunar, scaphoid, unciform, magnum, and trapezoid bones
form the carpus or knee, and the cannon-bone and two splints
form the metacarpus, while the phalangeal or digital region is
formed of the two sessamoids, upper and lower pastern-bones,
navicular-bone, and coffin- or pedal-bone.

BONES OF THE HORSE. 35

The pelvis of the back limbs is formed by the union of the
sacrum and the two ossa innominata or coxse, making for the
double region 2 bones. — The thigh has for its base one bone —
the femur — 2 for the double region. — The leg has for its base 3
bones — the tibia, fibula, and patella — making 6 for the double
region. — The hindfoot bears a great resemblance to the same
rejjion in front : 6 bones form the tarsus or hock — the astrag-a-
lus, calcis, cuboid, scaphoid, great cuneiform, and small cunei-
form— making 12 for the double region. — The bones of the
metatarsus or shank are three in number — the cannon and two
s})lints — making 6 for the double region. — The bones of the foot
or digital region behind are the same in number and name as
those described for this region before — two sesamoids, two
pasterns, navicular, and coifin- or pedal-bone — making 12 for
the double region.

There are four bones in each ear, and the tongue is made
up in five sections. Summing up, therefore, we find the bones
of the horse distributed in the manner indicated in the following
table :

Bones Enumerated. — Spine or vertebral column (entire
length, but counting the sacral as one bone — the

sacrum), ......... 48

Thorax or chest, ........ 37

Head — cranium, face, ears, and tongue, .... 41

Shoulders, forearm and foot — double regions, . . 40

Pelvis, thigh, hindleg and foot — double regions, . . 40

Teeth, .' ^ . . . 40

Total, 246

Fig, 2 shows the skeleton of the horse with the bones in
tlieir totality and natural relation to each other enumerated and
described.

\

THE SKELETON AND OUTLINES OF THE HORSE

DRAWN FROM NATURE. See Fig. 2.

1. Cranium and face.

2. Lower jaw.

.S. Cervical vertobrse— Jointed process of
the neck.

4-4. Dorsal vertebrse— Jointed process of
the back.

5-5. Lumbar vertebrsB— Jointed process of
the loins.

G-6. Sacnira. A consolidation of five ver-
teliric, articulated, or jointed in front with
the last lumbar, or loin vertebrae, and behind
with the first coccygeal bone; and on the
sides with the coxae, the bones which, with
the sacrum, form the pelvis. The sacrum is
triangular, flattened above and below, and
from before and behind, describes a slight
curve upward.

7-7. Coccygeal vertebrse— Jointed process
extending from sacrum backward.

8. Sub-trochanterian crest.

9-9. True ribs.

10-10. (Cartilages of true ribs.

11-11. False ribs.

12-12. Cartilages of false ribs.

13. Collar-bone.

14. Fourteenth Dorsal Vertebra — The
axis upon whicli the body is hung.

15. Radius— Forearm.

16. Elbow.

17. Pisiform, or pea-shaped bone.

18. Cuneiform, or wedge-shaped bone.

19. Lunar bone.

20. Trapezoid, or table bone.

21. Magnum, or large bone.

22. Scaphoid, or cradle bone.

2;{. Unciform, or hock bone. The pisiform
bone, together with the last six named, make
up the carpal bones, and correspond with
the wrist bones of man.

24. Cannon or shank bone.

2')-26. Splint bones, two on each leg.

27-28. Sesamoid bones.

29. Upper pastern bone.

30. Coronary, or lower pastern bones.

31. Coffln or frtot bone.
3-'. Wing of coffin, or fofit bone.
33-36 and 34-35. Coxae — these bones with
tlie sacrum form the pelvis.

37. Femur.

38. Tibia.

39. Os calcis— heel bone.

40. Astralagus.

41. Scaphoid, or cradle bone,

42. Cuneiform, or large wedge-shaped
bone.

43. Os cuboides, or cube bone.

44. Little cuneiform, or wedge-shaped
bone. Tne heel bone, together Willi the live
last named, form the tai>ns, or hock.

45. Cannon, or shank bone.

46-17. Kxterior and interior splint bones.

48. Shoulder.

49. Fibula.

50. 50, 50, 50. Navicular or nut bone.

A. Molars.

B. (Canine teeth or tnsks.
(J. lncisor.'».

E. .\tl>is— First Vertebra, or joint of neck,
and articnl iting or jointing iinmediately
with the occipital or head bone, sustaining
the head. Hence its numf.

G. Orbit— Cavity in which the eve is situ-
ated.

H. Lower tu>iks.
I. Lower li|).

M. Cariniforra cartilages.

N. Eiisiform, or sword-shaped cartilage.

O. Coracoid process of scapula.

P. Spine.

Q. Cartilage, or gristle.

K. Major trochanter.

S. Sternum, or breast bone.

T. Trochlea.

U. External condyle.

V. Patella or stifle.

W. Hock joint.

X. Trochanter — Major externus.

FIGS. 2-a AND 2-b.

If

SIDE VIEWS OF FORE AND HIND LEGS AND FEET, SHOWING CORRECT POSITIONS
OF THE TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND SHEATHS.

NOTE — Where there is a varialimi, or same letter does not represent same
object ill both, the figures are enumerated.

A. Flexor perforatus.
B-B-B. Flexor perforans.
C. Metacarpal or upper check ligament of
the perforans tendon.
1). Suspensory ligament of the fetlock.

E. Front extensor tendon (inserted into
foot of coffin bone).

F. Splint bone.

G (Fig. 3). Branching of the suspensory
liv'ament.

H-H (Fig. 2-a) and H (Fig. 2-b). Branch of
suspensory ligament passing forward to join
the extensor tendon.

I-J. Periosteum membrane covering sur-
face of cannon and pastern bones.

K. Junction of suspensory lisjament and
extensor tendon forming broad covering to
lower pastern.

L (Fig. 2-a). Fibrous reticulum (podophyl-
lus tissue), forming the numerous leaves of
the sensitive laminae, covering the external
face of the coffin bone and interlocking with
the horny leaves ( keraphyllous tissue) of the
inner surface of the surrounding wall.

M. Pastern supporting, or lowercheck liga-
ment. See Fig. 4, p. 51, for full explanation.

N (Fig. 2-b). Tarsal sheath.

N (Fig. 2-b). Oblique extensor.

O (Fig. 2-b). Anterior extensor of meta-
carpus.

P (Fig. 2-b). Lateral cartilage.

R (Fig. 2-b). (Coronary chamber.

S (Fig. 2-b). Horny exterior, or outer
wall of hoof.

T Sesamoidal sheath.

38 SCIENTIFIC lIUliSESnOEING.

CHAPTER III.
THE FOOT OK THE HORSE.

LOCOMOTORY APPARATUS.

The Subject Defined. — The f)])joct of this c-huptor is to
pass in coneiso review, tlie oriraiis or apjtaratus eont loHiiii;- or
Tiiinisteriiiir to ihi' I'uiK'tioii ot" locomotion in the horse, certainly
one ot" the most imitortant in the econi)rnv of the animal, bv the
necessary co-operation it affords tlie other organs ami ayijjara-
tuses in the iierformance ot" their natural properties and l"nnc-
tions, and similarly one of primary importance in a]>proacli-
ing the study of its conditions in health and disease. For
these reasons, tlien, a clear understanding of the foot in general
is ai)Solutely essential to every horseman and farrier, if they
would ].rotit by its harmonious action and acquire practical
working ideas of the relation of its parts and the mode of their
co-operation, to be remembered, applied and utilized.

Motion in General. — The locomotory aj^taratus is com-
posed of two kinds or systems of organs — the bones and mus-
cles. The bones are the hard, passive portions, with joints and
movable articulating surfaces providing for the necessary play
in their rehitive positions. The muscles, grouped around the
bones, are the active portions of the movement — the motor
engines of the limbs, in fact — being firmly attached to the bones
at certain determinate points, either directly or by tendons,
which contract upon the organs to be moved, and produce the
different postures and various gaits of the living animal.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 39

The Limbs in General. — The bony sections which com-
pose the limbs are destined both for the support of the trunk
and for its transport during progression. This double purpose
marks a distinction between the fore and hind members. The
front limbs, being nearest the center of gravity, have to sustain
most of the body weight, and are therefore specially organized
for this service. Thus, the scapula, or shoulder-bone, is at-
tached only by muscles to the trunk, and the weight transmitted
through them passes to the vertical bones of the leg below,
which sustain the pressure without muscular assistance, but
when it is finally thrown on the oblique bones of the foot, at
the angle of the fetlock, nature has provided strong muscular
bands for their support and maintenance.

The hind limbs more especially play the part of propelling
agents in the locomotory acts, and are joined in an angular
manner to the ditl'erent regions and by direct bony connection
of the pelvis with the vertebral column, as may be seen by
glancing at the skeleton, Fig. 2. Muscular agency is there-
fore necessary to support these columns, but notwithstanding
the difierence in functions assigned these limbs, they offer
striking resemblances to each other, and what remains to be
said of one is to be considered applicable alike to all.

The Foot in General. — The limits of this region are cus-
tomarily held to extend from the lower end of the cannon or
shank-bone, to the coffin- or pedal-bone, inclusive, possessing
the elements of a single digit inclosed in one hoof. Approach-
ing a little nearer, we will proceed with the subject, from
within to without, by first glancing at the parts contained in
the hoof, returning afterward to a description of the horny
case itself.

The parts contained in the hoof may be given thus : 1. The
pedal- or coflan-bone, and the navicular-bone, and the lower end
of the small pastern, forming the articulation of the foot. 2.

40 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

The ligaments binding this joint. 3. The terminations of the
tendons that flex and extend the foot from their insertions in tlie
coffin-bone. 4. The soft structures of the foot. 5. The sen-
sitive structures, including the vessels and nerves of this region.

Bones of the Foot. — In addition to the foregoing, it is
customary to include in each complete digit the ankle, and
fetlock, as constituting the apparent foot of a horse. The
bones of this re2:i<»n are then divided into three sections —
reckoning from above to below — placed end to end one upon
another, which are termed the phalanges. The first com-
prises the large or upper pastern-bone and the two sesa-
moids, which unite with the lower head of the cannon-bone
in forming the pastern-joint. The second phalanx is composed
of the small or lower pastern and by its contact with the upper
pastern makes the pastern-joint. The third and last phalanx,
terminating the limb, consists of the pedal- or coffin-bone and
the navicular-bone, which unite with the lower end of the small
pastern in forming the pedal- or coffin-joint. These bones are
situated in an oblique direction downward and forward, and
form the extremity of the digit upon which tlie soft structures
of the foot are built, as shown in Fig. 3 and 5.

The Pedal- or Coffin-bone. — The third phalanx of the foot
has, from the earliest times, most occupied the attention of
observers, owing to its greater liability than any bone of the
extremities to injury from casualties natural to its peculiar situa-
tion and uses. It is the base upon which the entire foot is
constructed, sustaining the hoof tliat incloses it as it fixes itself on
the ground, and acting as the point of leverage in receiving
and applying the power involved in the movement of the limb.
It is a ver}^ hard bone, very finely poroused with numerous
perforations and channels for the penetration of blood-vessels
and nerves supplying the enveloping tissues. Its lower bor-

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. • 41

der swells forward in a half-circle and obliquely upward to a
pyramidal eminence in its middle, on the front face of which is
inserted the attachments of the principal extensor tendon of the
foot, as shown in Fig. 4 and colored plates.

The under face is hollowed out like an arch, corresponding
to the sole of the hoof, and here the terminal tendon of the deep
flexor of the foot — the flexor perforans — is inserted into the
semi-lunar crest, widening in a remarkable manner over the
median imprints, as showm in Fig. 12.

There are two lateral wings to this bone directed back-
ward, on the summit of w^iich the lateral cartilages of the foot
are implanted.

Bones and their Articulations. — In all those situations
which have to sustain violent eflbrts, the substance of the bones
is found to be very compact, formed of a proper tissue, covered
outside with a tough, elastic membrane — the periosteum — and
are abundantly supplied with blood-vessels and nerves for their
nutritive movement. On their articular surfaces — between the
opposing heads or facets combining in the joints — they are cov-
ered w'ith layers of elastic cartilage, which are of the greatest
importance in the smooth gliding movements of the bones and
in the reduction of shocks and articular friction. When they
are worn or transformed into bone, in consequence of cer-
tain articular maladies, the movements become painful and very
difficult.

Ligaments and Lubricants. — The structures w^hose office
is to brace and maintain the joints in contact and unite the
movable surfaces are the ligaments. These are powerful auxil-
iaries of the muscular forces, give permanent equilibrium to
the weight, and secure the firm and effective working of the
articular surfaces. A serous membrane covers the internal
face of the ligaments, which secretes the synovia, a kind of

42 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

animal oil that facilitates the gliding of the articular surfaces
and tendons. It is the vital lubricant of the living machine, and
its use in the animal economy is identical with that of other
greasy substances employed to lubricate mechanical bearings.
See colored plates.

Muscles of the Foot and Leg. — Followiug the indication
given of the passive organs of locomotion, the bony levers and
their joints, comes a reference to the active agents whose func-
tion it is to move them. These are the muscles, and form, gen-
erally speaking, the fleshy covering surrounding the bony
frame-work and grouped around and attached to the bones of
the extremities.

The situation and direction of the muscles are important
features to be acquired with regard to their arrangement and
use in communicating motion to the leg and foot, for it allows
the determination of the angle of incidence of a muscle on its
arm of the lever, the relation of its principal axis to the vertical
line, and its comparison with the axis of the bony lever which it
moves. If the direction of the muscles be compared with that
of the bones of the limb that thev move, it will be found that
they are parallel to these levers, and the proper direction of the
bones being known to be rectilinear, that is, their principal axis
being straight or parallel to the median plane of the body, it is
sufficieut to indicate that of the muscles to clearly establish this
comparison. Undoubtedly the most essential part of the study
of the muscles is their attachments or insertions, for with this
knowledge we may determine their extent and direction, and
even their relations and uses. The principal muscles of the
extremities have fixed insertions of a cordy structure known as
tendon or sinew. The superficial muscles are only related to
the bones by their extremities, while the deep muscles are ap-
plied by their bodies directly against the bones of the skeleton.
Three principal tendons serve to move the bones of the foot.

THE FOOT OF THE HOESE. 43

Two of these flex or bend the joints while the other straightens
the column of bones thus displaced. The superficial flexor of
the foot is the flexor perforatus, which is attached to the sides of
the lower pastern-bone and flexes the ankle at the fetlock. The
deep flexor of the foot is the flexor perforans, inserted into the
bottom of the cofiin-bone, whence it bends the cofiin-joint and
with it the whole foot. The front extensor tendon of the foot
is attached to the pyramidal process of the coffin-bone. There
are many other minor muscles, fixed and movable, connected
with the cannon, splints, and other bones of the limb, which as-
sist in the various movements and in their degree relieve the
controlling muscles of a share of the stress of weight, as well as
of whatever force or stain is brought to bear upon them. See
Fig. 4 and colored plates.

Soft Tissues. — The bones, ligaments and muscles of the
foot are covered by a loose connective tissue, which gives sym-
metry to the parts, and all are protected by the external cover-
ing of skin and horn tissues, I have already mentioned that in
connection with the coffin-bone there is a supplementary appa-
ratus of cartilage formation. This is composed of two lateral
pieces, representing a thin flat plate on each side, of a fibrous
elastic substance, pierced with openings for the passage of veins
and nerves of the digital region. They are united behind and
below to the plantar cushion, and in front cover the articulation
of the coffin-joint and synovial sac, blending into the ligaments
at that point. These cartilages are adapted to act as pads in
easing shocks caused by exertions of the foot, but it often
happens that they undergo changes and are invaded by an
ossifying process which converts them into bone, as explained
in a subsequent chapter.

The coronary cushion is a continuation of the skin and
forms an intermediate juncture between it and the wall of the
hoof, of which it is the matrix. It occupies a groove, called

44 SCIENTIFIC HORSKSHOEING.

the cutigeral cavity, iit the upper border of the horny wall,
ami forms a roiiiuled proiiiiiience of dense, thick fibers, and
assists in the elastic action of the cartilages and laminar tissues.
Its surface is tufted with villi and shows a considerable number
of nerves and blood-vessels which l)ranch through its suV>-
stancc antl set-retc the iiorny tissue of the wall. Ai'ound its
up})i'r horder is a narrow, li[i-like margin called the perio{)lic
ring, from which exudes the perio]ile — the natural horny var-
nish of the wall. The coi'onai'v cushion mingles with the in-
ternal tissues of the foot and becomes continuous with the
bulbs of the sensitive frog. ISee colored plates.

Sensitive Tissues. — The sensitive frog, or ]>lantar cushion,
is a thick, wedge-shaj)ed mass of fibrous structure of fine
elastic pul[» situated beneath and behind the foot bones (to
which it is attached) and between tlie back tendons (which it
8U}>ports) and the lower jiart of the hoof. It is lodged in the
fissures of the hornv frouc, i-eceiviui:: the siiur or fron: stav in the
middle of its itvramidal bodv, which thus divides it into two
diveru-inij bull»s exactlv like that of the outer froij" to which it
corresponds. At the point, or apex in front, it becomes con-
tinuous with the sensitive sole, and at the sides is attached to
the lower edges of the cartilages. The base, formed by the
bulbs behind, is inclined upward, and mixes its fibers with the
cartilages and coronary cushion. Numerous blood-vessels and
nerves complete this structure. See colored plates.

The sensitive sole, or velvety tissue, is the formative organ of
the horny sole and frog. It is much thinner than the plantar
cushion, and extends over or under the entire plantar region as
well as the plantar cushion, which it covers by adapting itself
to the inequalities of this elastic mass. This tissue shows the
same structure as the coronary cushion, with the extremities of
which it unites on the bulbs of the frog continuing above the
lamiufe on the bars. The surface of this tissue is studded with

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 45

^alli, similar to those on the coronary cushion, which penetrate
into and supply the horny sole and frog, and in its meshes are
sustained the veins of the lower surface of the foot. See col-
ored plates.

Continuous with the sensitive sole (and resembling it in
structure), and spreading over the entire outer or upper face of the
coffin-bone until it is merged into the projecting substance of
the coronary cushion, is a villous sheath, called the keratogenous
membrane or laminal tissue, w^hich. completes the sensitive en-
velopes of the extremity of the digit. This laminal tissue ex-
hibits on the external face of the coffin-bone a series of fine
elastic leaves, called the sensitive laminae, which lie in parallel
rows, to the number of five or six hundred, running from above
to below, separated by narrow, somewhat deep channels, into
which are dovetailed similar horny leaves from the wall and
bars of the hoof. This leafy tissue is intimately attached to the
coffin-bone through the medium of the reticulum, wdiich also
supports the veins that supply its secretion. Like the other
vascular tissues, it is very richly supplied with blood-vessels and
nerves, and is at once the seat of acute sensation and the point
where the active chanares of inflammation — villitis and lami-
nitis — are especially concentrated, becoming morbidly increased
through the eflects of bad shoeing, hard pulling, or driving and
other like abuses. These parts are, in fact, the principal instru-
ments concerned in the sensory apparatuses of the horse's foot,
and the sensitive laminie play a most important mechanical part
in concurring, by their dovetailing with the horny laminae, in
securing the solidity of the hoof with the living parts as well as
in supporting the weight of the animal, which is distributed
through them upon the base of the wall. See colored plates.

Circulation of the Foot. — As we have indicated in the
foregoing analysis, all the soft or sensitive tissues of the foot are
freely supplied with blood, in greater or less quantities, de-

46 ' SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

pending upon the function which the tissue has to perform.
If this is great, as in the more sensitive parts of the foot, a large
amount of blood is required, if the hibor is a less exciting one,
as in the cartilages, and ligaments or membranes, the nutrition
is furnished by imbibing the fluids brought to the surface by
bl'ood-vessels. The blood is carried from the lieart to the vari-
ous organs by the arteries or their small terminations, and is
named red or arterial blood. The veins of general circulation
bring the nutritive fluid back to the heart, and, according
to its tint, it is named dark colored or venous blood. Both
systems present at their extremities innumerable branches,
which Anally join each other, so that the fluid they carry
Dasses from one to the other in a constant or circular di-
rection. Between the two are small delicate networks of ves-
sels called capillaries, which subdivide into a regular lacework
so as to reach the neisrhborhood of everv element.

Nerve Supply. — The amount of blood, under normal con-
ditions is governed by nerves of the sympathetic system
which regulate the conditions of repose and activity. The
nerves issue from the cranium and branch into all the organs
like the arteries which they generally accompany. They fur-
nish the stimulus to animal life, and in the dio-its are the
essential instruments of touch or sensation. Three branches
of the internal and external plantar nerves furnish the foot on
each side, and accompany the digital artery and vein, which at
some points they cover with their divisions. The order of their
distribution and termination, together with that relating to
the circulatory system of the foot generally, will be clearly
comprehended by a glance at the several colored plates illus-
trating this section.

Horny Tissues. — The hoof of the horse — considered as a
whole — represents the horny outer covering, completing the ex-

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 47

tremity of the digit. It answers to the same natural purpose as
the nail in man, by protecting the sensitive parts beneath. It
is united most intimately with the internal tissues by the in-
terlocking processes of the surfaces in contact, and is made up
of three portions — the wall, sole and frog.

The Wall. — The wall is that portion visible when the foot
rests on the ground, the middle of which is termed the toe,
the adjoining fronts of face are the inside and outside toes,
while the side regions are the quarters, the back extremities are
the heels, which fold underneath and terminate in the bars.
These parts are all continuous, diminishing in height and thick-
ness from toe to heels, and all are lined with the horny leaves
referred to. The bars are separated from the frog by lateral
excavations called commissures, until they gradually fuse into
sole. They form a lateral brace to the heels, limiting expan-
sion and opposing contraction in these parts. The outside
of the upper border is hollowed out, forming the cutigeral
cavity of the coronary cushion and perioplic ring.

The Sole. — The sole incloses the hoof on the ground sur-
face, between the wall and bars, with which it is united through-
out its extent. Its upper surface corresponds with the sen-
sitive sole, showing the pores receiving the velvety tufts, and its
external face is more or less concave according to circumstances.
It IS a thick horny plate, scaling oft' after a certain natural
growth, and is designed to cover and protect the internal foot.

The Frog. — Between the A shaped angle formed by the
inflection of the bars at the heels, the frog — a prominent mass
of spongy horn — is lodged. It is wedge-shaped, with its point
near the center of the sole, to which it closely adheres along
its lines as thev diverge backward, where it becomes contin-
uous with the coronary band. The frog is separated into two

48 scn<:NTiFic hor8eshokin(}.

external Ijrunches Ly a median cleft, each braiuli forniiiiLi: a
rounded elastic eminence at the heels where they cover the
anjj^les of inflection of the wall. The internal face of the fros;
is indented with jtores like the sole, and is molded to conform
to the body of the sensitive froi^:, havin<r a triaiiijnlar iissnre
divided into two channels hy n spine or ridije-like spur, called
the fro<2^-sta\", into and over ^^hich the sensitive frog: is bedded.
The frog, like the sole, exfoliates or scales otf by usage and
ijrowth, and is the natural buffer of a healthy foot when al-
lowed to come in contact with the uTound.

Development of the Hoof. — The horny substance consti-
tuting the hoof of a horse is of a fibrous nature, formed of mi-
nute hair-like tubes, cemented together by a tenacious opaque
matter, taking its general color from the skin .of the iiml) to
which it adjoins; the inner face of the wall, however, is al-
ways of a light tint. The horny tissue of the hoof, being a de-
pendency ('>'( the skin, is tleveloped like it; that is, by cells in
rows and layers. The perioplic ring forms the beriople ; the
coronary cushion, the wall, and the velvety tissue, the sole and
froij. The consistence of the horn in the wall is dense, solid
and compact, while that of the sole and frog is of a scaly,
spongy nature. The growth of the wall of the hoof is constant
or indefinite, but the sole and frog, after attaining a certain
thickness, exfoliate and fall off, unless prevented by shoes froju
maintaining their natural flexibility. See colored plates.

It may here be noted that the angle of wall of the hoof in
front varies from fortv-five to fifty-six degrees. The inner face
of the wall at the middle of the toe is in line with the frog-stay,
and in mules frequently shows a more or less prominence of base
toward the lower margin of wall, which corresponds to a ver-
tical depression in the coffin-bone, and it is not improbable that
it serves the same purpose as the frog-stay — to maintain the posi-
tion of the coffin-bone, and prevent its rotation within the hoof.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 49

Importance of the Subject. — The foot of the horse is an
extremely important study because of the numerous diseases
which affect this region, but what I have said, in thus review-
ing the structure and normal condition of the essential org-ans
of locomotiou, will probably be sutficient to include whatever
may be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the
other essential matters which are to follow, and facilitate a clear
understanding of the requirements necessary to that perfection
and regularity which characterize the natural performance of the
various movements of the horse.

So long as the bones muscles and tendons; the joints with
their hgaments, cartilages and their synovial structure; the
nerves and the controlling influences which they exercise over
all, with the blood-vessels which distribute to every part the
vitalizing fluid which sustains the whole in being and activity —
so long as these various constituents and adjuncts of animal life
preserve their physiological functions, locomotion will continue
to be performed with perfection and efliciency. Other points
of pathological interest, relating to obstruction or misdirection
and lack of balance in certain portions of the locomotory appara-
tus, will receive due attention as we proceed with the illustration
of our subject and examine the "matters which it most concerns

us to bring under consideration.
4 "

m

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

A, Pedal- or coffin-bone —
third phalanx terminating
the foot.

B, Extremity of navicular
hone.

C, Small or lower pastern
bone— second phalan.v.

D, Large or upper pastern
bone — first phalanx.

E, Pyramidal process on
coffin-bone, wliich gives in-
sertion to the tendon of the
front extensor of the foot,
and which braces the joint
by preventing the pastern
from .slipping too far forward.

F, Ba.silar process of wing
to which the lateral cartilage
is attached.

;. .SIDE VIEW OF THE PH.^LANGIAL SECTIONS G-, Irregular ridge above

FOOT, SHOWING THE BONES OF THE DIGITAL the retrorsal process or pre-

iNTHEiRNOKMAi.BELATioNSTOEACH OTHER, pjantar fissure, tlirough

which passes the lateral
laminal and preplantar un-
gual arteries and their satel-
lite nerves.

The lower face of this bone is arched, and into its crest is
fixed tlie insertion of the deep flexor of the foot. The articula-
tions of these bones with each other, and with the lower extrem-
ity of the cannon-bone, form the ankle and fetlock ioints. The
line through their central axis defines the natural incidence of
the weight in its descent from the body, and indicates that the
natural inclination of the coflSn-bone is in direct line with the
pasterns

Fig. :

OK THE
REGION

THE FOOT OF THE HOUSE.

51

A, Flexor pcrforatus (attached to lower pas-
tern bone ).

B, Flexor perforans (inserted under coffin-
bone).

C, Metacarpal or check ligament of the per-
forans tendon.

D, Suspensory ligament of the fetlock.

E, Front extensor tendon (inserted into front
of coffin-bone).

F, Splint bone on outer side of the cannon.

G, Branching of the suspensory.
H, Branch of same passing forward to join

the extensor tendon.

I, J, K, Periosteum membrane covering the
surfaces of the cannon and pastern bones.

L, Fibrous reticulum covering the face of the
coffin-bone and forming the reticular tissue leaves,
or sensitive laminse, which dovetail into the horny
leaves of the wall, completing the union of these
regions.

M, The pastern-supporting or check liga-
ment. This has never before been shown in
anatomical drawings. It binds the upper head
of the lower pastern to the lower head of
the upper pastern, and is located midway be-
tween the flexor tendon and upper pas-
tern bone. Its office is plainly duplex — it
holds the ankle and pastern joint firmly
in position, and divides the strain with the
flexor tendon in its severe down-
ward action.

Fig. 4. external side view of left fiiOnt
limb, showing the articulations, tendons,
and ligaments of the knee, fetlock, and

FOOT.

52

scip:xtific horseshoeing.

A, Coffin-bone.

B, Navicular-bone.

C, Lower pastern-bone.

D, Upper pastern-bone.

E, Cannon-bone.

F, Velvety tissue or sensitive sole.

G, Horny wall.
H, Horny sole.

I, Horny frog.

K, Plantar-cushion or sensitive sole

L, Horny laminae.

M, Sensitive laminae.

N, Front extensor tendon.

O, Perforatus (superficial flexor).

P, Perforans (deep flexor of the foot
inserted under the coffin-bone.

Q, Metacarpal ligament (joining the

perforans tendons.

R, Suspensory ligament of the fet-
lock.

S, Sesamoid-bone (dotted line).

T, Branch of per-
foratus tendon attached
to lower pastern-bone.

Fig. .5. median section of front digit, from base
OF foot to head of cannon bone, showing arrange-
ment of the articular and muscular apparatus.

The dotted line through center of digital bones shows the
line of action of weight from above to below, and marks the
normal ansrle of the foot.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE.

53

Fig. 6. side view of the outside half op the right front foot with
wall of the hoop removed, showing numerous leaves op the sensitive
laminal tissue.

A, Median seotion of the hoof, continued through wall, sole and frog.
B, Base of hoof on opposite side. C, The keratogenous membrane or sensi-
tive laminae, covering the upper face of the pedal-bone, consisting of vascular
leaves, designed to interlock with the horny laminae on the inner face of the
wall of the hoof. D, The coronary-cushion, showing its continuance to the
bulbs of the plantar-cushion at the heel and the perioplic ring around its upper
border

To the ffreat vascularitv of these sensitive tissues is clue the
bright red color they show on the surface. They form in their
connection with the plantar surface of the velvety tissue, the es-
sential apparatus of touch and feeling in the foot. They are, in
addition, highly elastic and assist in the springy action so neces-
sary to the ease of the foot when exerted in speed or in the severe
strains of drawing heavy loads.

n4

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

A, Numerous leaves of the sensi-
tive hvminje (podophyllous tissue)
formed by the reticulum covering the
external face of the collin-bone, and
which interlock with the horny
leaves (keraphyllous tissue) of the
surrounding wall.

B, Coronary -cushion, the organ
wliich develops the horny wall, and
acts in reciprocal relation between it
and the skin above, as an elastic
nifdium of connection. It also
unites in the same manner with the
vascular laminae, and is prolonged
downward at the back, into the bulbs
of the plantar-cushion and the villous
tunic of the velvety tissue.

Fig. 7. front view of the horse's
foot, showing the superficial appear-
ance of the keratogenous membrane,
or laminal tissue, after removal of

THE HOOF.

The villi of the coronary-cushion and velvety tissue deter-
mine the structure and maintain the elasticity of tlie entire
hoof. The laminal tissue has the property of throwing out a tem-
porary horn, whether exposed by stripping oiF the hoof or by
the active changes of inflammation, but this must be replaced by
that from the coronet when the i'oot returns to its normal condi-
tion.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE.

Fig. 8. internal structures of the region of
the left fore-foot as seen from the outer side.

A, Lateral cartilage of the coffin-bone.

B, Reticulum, enveloping the coffin-bone, sus-
taining the blood-vessels and laminal tissues of
this region.

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot to
its insertion on eminence of coffin-bone.

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the foot.

E, Rear face of the sesamoid branch of the
transverse ligament.

F, Periosteum membrane, covering the surfaces
of the cannon and pastern bones.

These plates represent the arteries in red, the veins in blue,
and the nerves in white. Each of these systems maintains the
most intimate relations with the others and meets in the extremi-
ties in various forms of branches, collaterals, and ganglionic en-
largements, remarkable alike for their large volume, intricate
reticulation and extreme delicacy.

The divisions shown in this plate are the digital and ungual
arteries and veins of the plantar region, the veins of the coro-
nary plexus, and the median circumflex artery of the foot to-
gether with the digital branches of the median or cubic plantar
nerve.

r)(;

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

B, Continuation of the fibrous reticulum,
for tlie support of the vessels and leafy tissue on
the coffin-bone.

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot
goinj; on to the coffin-bone.

E, Rear margin of sesamoid ligament.

F, Periosteum of the cannon- and pastern-
bones.

Fig. 9. internal structukl:s ok the region of
the left foke foot, as seen from the inner side.

The digital arteries and veins course almost immediately be-
neath the skin. Descending from above the fetlock joint they
follow the course of the flexor tendon and throw out innumerable
twigs and divergant ramifications to supply the surfaces, as well
as the deeper tissue substances of the foot. Those shown in this
plate are the perpendicular artery, circumflex coronary, artery
of the plantar cushion, preplantar ungual, venous network of the
larainal tissue, coronary plexus, and the deep cartilaginous layer
— all flanked by the plantar nerve, which interlaces them with
Humorous filaments.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE.

Fig. 10. FRONT view of the foot region,

SHOWING the arrangement OF THE INTER-
NAL, STRUCTURES.

A, Front border of the lateral cartilage
of the coffin-bone (the corresponding piece
on the other side having been removed).

B, Continuation of the reticulum, form-
ing the membraneous net, which holds in its
meshes the dependent vessels and laminal
tissues on the coffin-bone.

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the
foot to its insertion in the coffin-bone.

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the
foot.

F, Inner and outer borders of the can-
non-bone.

The external and collateral branches of the perpendiculai
artery and satellite veins and nerves are here shown by their an-
terior branches, which concur in forming the articular branch of
the phalanx, veiny plexus of the coronary crown circle, and net
of the reticular tissue, accompanied by the vasa motor nerves
belonging to the plantar system.

58

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

A, Rear border of the lateral cartilaj^t'
(the other being omitted).

B, Pyramidal base or bulbs of the plan-
tar cushion or sensitive frog, interposed be-
tween the perforans tendon and the horny
hoof.

C, Reinforcing phalangeal sheath cover-
ing the perforans tendon and the suspen-
sory ligament with a fibrous expansion and
attaching itself to the larger part of the
pastern-bones.

D', Flexor perforans at its exit from
between the two branches of the perforatus.

E, Superficial bundle or ring of the
sesamoid ligament.

F, Flexor perforatus, giving off two
branches toward the bottom, which become
attached to the lower pastern-bone.

Fig. 11. BACK OF the foot re-
gion, showing THE INTERNAL AR-
RANGEMENT OP THE PHALANGE.S.

. The arteries, veins and nerves are the posterior offshoots of
the internal and external collaterals, furnishing this region same
as previously referred to.

THE FOOT OF THP] HORSE.

m

Fig. 12. plantar surface at lower face op the third or ungual
phalanx of the foot, the pedal, or coffin-bone, upon which the digit ls

BASED

This view represents the sole of the bone covered by the
plantar reticulum and shows the origin of the preplantar ungual
artery as it emerges at the retrossal process of the wings and
loops into the semi-lunar anastomotic arch, communicating in
the bone. The radiating branches from this arch and from the
outer border correspond with the affluents of Figs. 13 and 14,
The nerves shown are the descending posterior branches of the
preplantar nerve, accompanying the digital artery on the retros-
sal process, traversing the cartilages and laminal tissues, and
terminating around the plantar ungual artery in the plantar
fissure.

The attachment of the deep flexor of the foot — the per-
forans — is shown as covering the semi-lunar crest and the me-
dian imprints of this bone ; widening into a large expansion
designated the plantar aponeurosis. This terminal expansion is
covered by the plantar cushion which adheres to it most inti-
mately. This muscle flexes the phalanges on one another, and
it also concurs in flexing the entire foot on the fore-arm.

('>()

SCIKNTIFIC HOKSESHUElNa.

A, LowiT ])orcler of the lateral
cartilage of the coffin-bone (the
jtart corresponding to thison the
other side being detached for
this illustration.)

B, 'l"he proper tissue, or vil-
lous tunic of the reticulum,
which is correlated to the upi)er
surface of the velvety tissue,
and answers to the periosteum
on the coflin-bone, which it en
velopcs like a villous sheath.

C, The periphery of the re-
ticular tissue, conspicuous for
the divisions of arteries and Aes-
Bcls which it sustains and which
prevail so largely throughout

Fig. 13. the plantar REXicrLUM or kera- the whole extent of the plantar

TOGEXOUSMEMBRANECOVERINC. THE LOWER FA( E gnrface
OF THE COFFIN-BONE, AND SISTAINING IN ITS
MESHES THE VEINS OF THE SOLAR PLEXUS.

The venous apparatus of the digital region is remarkable
for the number, distribution and interlaced disposition of the
vessels composing it. They are extended over and molded
on the two last [)halanges of the foot, discharging themselves
bv numerous descending: and ascendins: branches, converging in
flexiform nets and arches, and communicating with each other,
or traversing every elemient, by an intricate system of arte-
rioles or venules, analogous to the capillary system.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE.

61

A, Lower face of the
velvety tissue, or sensi-
tive sole immediately
overlying the horny
sole, which it secretes.

B, Base, or bulbs of
the plantar cushion, sep-
arated by the depression
or cleft (median lacuna),
on the inside of which
the spur or stay of the
horny frog reaches.

C, Return of the bars
to their junction with
the wall.

D, Arch, or spring of
the bars, formed by their
angle of inflection at the
heels, also showing the
laminal leaves covering
them.

Fig. 14. the lower pace of the horse's foot,
after removal of the horny hoof.

The arteries forming the plexus or network furnishing this
region of the foot are similar to those shown on the other
plates, and like them proceed from the parent trunk, descending
on the side of the digit, terminating in the plantar ungual
branch from which the inferior communicating arteries pass
through the foramina just above the edge of the coffin-bone,
branching closely over the laminal tissue and uniting below to
form the large circumflex, or peripheral artery, which runs
around the toe. They also help to form the inferior circumflex
artery and finally join the coronary plexus — collectively form-
ing the circulatory apparatus of the entire digital region.

()-2

SCIENTIFIC JlOltSKSHOKl.Na.

Fig. 15. a peri'ec'T hoof, removed from the foot, showing a lateral
posterior view of a souxd xatl'kal and healthy development of wall —
riorny lamin.k— coronary fllamber — sole, frog-stay, fissures and bars.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 63

CATECHISM ON THE ANATOMY OF THE HORSE'S

FOOT AND LEG.

Adapted from (he subject-matter of this chapter.

No Foot, no Horse.

The following questions and answers relating to the foot and
leg of the horse illustrate the main points with which the farrier
should be familiar. In introducing them, it is believed that they
will aid materially in rendering the illustrations intelligible.

Q. 1. What bones are included in the wall of the foot proper?

A. The coffin and navicular bones, together with about one-
fourth of the lower jDastern, making altogether two and one-fourth
bones. See Fig. 5, p. 52.

Q. 2. What office do the coffin bones perform?

A. They bear and support the weight of the horse. See Fig.
2, p. 86.

Q. 3. What office does the navicular or nut l)one perform?

A. It acts as a fulcrum, underneath which moves the flexor
perforans attached to the coffin bone, and is movable with every
action of' the foot. See Fig. 5, p. 52.

Q. 4. What office does the insensitive sole of the foot perform?

A. It protects the sensitive sole from external injuries. See
Fig. 10, p. (52.

Q. 5. What office does the insensitive frog perform?

A. It serves as a cushion and prevents concussion upon the
sensitive parts of the foot. See Fig. 14, p. 01.

Q. 6. What office does the cleft of the frog perform?

A. It is the means of folding and unfolding the frog, as the
foot expands and contracts. See A, Fig. 28, p. 97.

Q. 7. Of what use are the bars or binders of the foot?

A. .They keep the foot in its proper expansion in a natural
foot. The fissure inside serves to support the sensitive frog. See
Fig. 24. p. 98.

G4 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Q. S. What offit'O does the coroiinrv sul)8tancH or liund [wr-
furni?

A. Il is the uiiiliiiii; part tliat holds the hoof to t he |)ast('ni.
It ex[)ands and t-ontracts to the a<'1 ion of tlie foot whrii in motion.
It is the siil)staiice which secretes the growth of new horn. See
Fiu;. IT). [). {')2.

(i. *.'. What ofKce do the sensitive huuina', and the insensitive
huninu', or horny i)hites. j)erforni?

A. Tlie sensitive hiniina' ari- dovi-taih-d or iniheddcd into tiie
insensitive hiniinie, or horny phites of the hoof, and together
serve as a cusliion to ease the effects of the footfall. There are
between six and seven hundred in ninnl)er, as estimated by the
best authorities. Xow, at every step the liorse takes, the himina?
ascend and descend a quarter of an inch. Figurine; on tlie basis
of seven hundred of each, there are seven hundred quarters of an
inch to l)reak concussion, or one hundred and seventy-five inches.
Reducing to feet, this makes fourteen and seven-twelfths feet to
break concussion. The lamiiue keep the coffin bone from pressing
upon the sensitive sole, so it is cpiite essential to keep the foot
well lialanced and in a healthful state. See Figs. 6, p. 58 ; 7. p.
54 : 15. p. 02.

Q. 10. What office does the verticulum or membranous cover-
ing of the coffin bone perform?

A. It acts as a protecting cushion between the coffin bone and
sensitive laminae, and prevents friction to th(\se parts. See Figs.
8, p. 55 : 9, p. 56.

Q. 11. What office does the lateral cartilage attached to the
back part of the foot perform?

A. It is a protection to the nerves, arteries and veins, and
assists in giving the springy foot action when in normal health.
See Figs. 8, p. 55; 10, p. 57; 11, p. 58; 13, p. GO.

Q. 1-. Of what use are the sesamoid bones?

A. They act as pulleys for the flexor perforai is to play over,
and as a sup]')ort to the suspensory ligaments of the leg. See Fig.
5. p. 52.

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 65

Q. 18. Of what use are the splint bones?

A. They are attached to the cannon bone, one on each side,
being larger at the top, and support the two outer carpal bones.
See Fig. 2, p. 36.

The Arteries, Veins and Nerves.
(See Figs. 4 to 14, pp. 51 to 62.)

Q. 14. What office does the plantar artery perform?

A. It supi^lies the foot with blood.

Q. 15. What office does the plantar vein perforin?

A. It carries the blood from the foot.

Q. 16. What office does the j)lantar nerve perform?

A. It conveys the sensation of feeling to the foot.

Q. 17. What is scientific horseshoeing?

A. It is a noble, artificial skill of man, working in conjunc-
tion with nature, to keep the foot in its natural formation. The
shoe is to protect the foot from external injuries.

Q. 18. How many acts are there to be performed l:»efore the
foot is properly shod?

A. There are three acts required: First, to remove all the
surplus growth, and properly shape the foot to its natural form
and size; second, to select a bar of iron or steel, make a shoe of
suita])leweight, such as the foot and leg require for the work the
horse has to perform, and fit the same properly to the foot ; third,
to nail the shoe to the foot. Each of these operations must work
in entire harmony with the rest ; otherwise one would undo the
others. Thus, the shoe must be properly adjusted and accurately
driven on the foot, or else the foot will be unbalanced and the
utility of the combined operations destroyed or crippled.
5

6^ SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

CHAPTER IV.
PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING

METHODS OF SCIENCE, ART, AND COMMON SENSE.

Necessity of Shoeing. — Since the employment of the
horse in many pursuits renders it necessary that an artiticial pro-
tection be employed to preserve his feet from injurious wear, it
becomes a consideration of the lii'st importance to know the
proper method of doing this without seriously interfering with
or destrovinof tlie functions of the foot, and so as in the least,
to constrain its natural gestures while cmjjloying its fullest
powers.

The efiects of applying an iron defense to the horse's foot
and securing it to the hoof witli nails, are no doubt a source of
injury to that organ, and even with the best of care a few of
them are unavoidable; but they are increased in number and
heightened in intensity, when the slioe is badly constructed and
attached, wliereas a right understanding of the subject will
teach that those evils which are unavoidable may at least be
greatly mitigated.

There are some points on tlie question of shoeing notori-
ously at issue between writers and shoers, theorists, and prac-
titioners, so that hardly any agreement can be found to exist
even on essential principles, and this diversity of opinion will
probably continue until the known human artifices shall have
been superseded by unknown or natural agencies.

All agree, however, that some artificial shield to the horse's
foot is necessary, for employed as he is, his hoofs are unable to
withstand the severe demands imposed upon them : the wear
more than exceeds the growth.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 69

Ajo^ain, all unite in the belief that nothing more simple, in-
expensive and efficient than a well-devised iron or steel shoe
can at present be produced to meet the exigencies of the case,
nor can the safe and ready method of attaching it by nails be
<lisplaced by any other means that we are acquainted with.

Having to deal with the facts as we find them, therefore, let
us turn to a consideration of the best means which lie in our
power of reducing, as much as possible, the evils so frequently
attendant upon the practice of shoeing as commonly pursued.

Past and Present. — Bad and indifferent shoeing are pro-
ductive of but one result — serious injury to the animals shod — and
rendering them more or less unfit for active service. It is the
<?xercise of a higher knowledge and its scientific application
that constitutes the true "art, trade and mystery" of farriery,
as exemplified in the best practice of to-day; in which science,
as well as art and common sense, are operating to supplant the
irrational, time-honored customs (which were once a portion of
the blacksmith's creed), and are now gradually raising the science
of horshoeing above the baneful influences of ignorance and
traditional routine, to that position which its practical import-
ance as a great national economic question justly entitles it.

When it is thus conceded that some of the operations and
practices of the art have been materially altered and improved
upon, it is none the less true that the ordinary system of horse-
shoeing, as it obtains in average hands, has not kept pace with
the advancement noted. In too many instances it is observable
that the art of the farrier is at variance with the workings of
nature, and what satisfies the one outrages the demands of the
other. The result is strikingly conspicuous in the number of
lame, maimed, diseased or disabled horses, involving a direct
loss of valuable property, as well as much needless sufiering in
the noblest of our dumb animals. And to misapplied shoeing.

70 SCIENTIFIC HORSESIIOKING.

a very large projKJrtioii of these evils is, beyond all doubt, di-
rectly or indirectly traceable.

Important to Horsemen. — The shoeing of horses is a work
practically belonging to the smith, but as gentlemen and others
wlio arc ownersof horses oufi^ht to know and be abletodistini)fuish»
at least in some degree, when it is ill or well done, it would seem
an unnecessary precaution to recommend a matter of such per-
sonal interest to their attention. It is really surprising to learn,
however, how indiHerent or neurlectful of the well-beine: of their
horses' feet and le«i:s so maiiv owners and drivers ai'e. The foot
is undoubtedly the most important jiart of the animal, so far as
his ultimate usefulness is concei-ned. And the affair of shoeine:
is so important in its conset^uences, both Ibr the jireservatioii of
the foot, the safety of the legs, and the ease and comfort of
their motion that horsemen and pro[)rietors can not be too at-
tentive to practical recommendations on the subject. For it
must be borne in mind that among horseshoers there is as great
diversity of opinion in regard to the performance of their work
as there possibly can be in any other trade or calling, and theo-
retical speculations upon this subject have done Init little for
the farrier or the horse. I am convinced that many of these
differences would disappear, together with most of the ailments^
and afflictions to wliich horses are liable under existing condi-
tions, if a better knowledge of the natural formation of the foot
and of the relative value and office of its various parts, per-
vaded the great body of owners and trainers as a whole, than
now exists. These troubles are caused, speaking generally, by
the horse being out of balance on his feet, and, in justice to the
much abused horseshoer, be it noted, they are quite as often due
to erroneous ideas and " pet theories " of would-be horsemen
being foisted into the workshop, as from any lack of ability or
ingenuity on the part of the farrier.

In veterinary surgery, too, as an effective remedial or cura-

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 71

tive agent, for so many of the injuries and diseases affecting the
health and soundness of the horse, scientific shoeing should
occupy a foremost place ; yet it is a matter of deep regret that
among this class of practitioners are many men who have neg-
lected to properly study this most important branch of their
profession, or, having acquired only an imperfect conception of it
through books, are unable to direct it with necessary discretion
to any salutary effect ; or, as has so frequently come within the
trend of my .experience, altogether pervert it, to the continued
detriment of the patient and of tbe business interests involved
as well. The moral of this is obvious. No humbug use of iron,
nor theoretical experiments with it on the one side, nor blind
groping in the dark on the other, will ever solve the ''problems
of farriery," simple and easy as they really are, but made
difficult contentions in the hands of quacks and ignorant
practitioners.

Essential knowledge. — To rescue the practice from such
hands is the work of that higher knowledge to which I have
already referred, and it is the application of such general facts
of veterinary anatomy as explain the construction and functions
of the foot, to the practical business of shoeing that will most
largely contribute to this end. How, otherwise, can the smith
he expected to understand the normal size, shape and structure
of the foot upon which he operates, or how know the correct
principles of shoeing and balancing a horse on his feet?

When a horse is at the shoeing forge " it is a condition, not
a theory," that confronts the smith, and there is no longer room
for doubt, and unless he knows, with positive certainty, just how
to preserve or obtain the proper balances and bearings of the
foot he is utterly incapacitated to take charge of it. Science
and art are combined in skillful shoeing. A knowledge of the
structure and normal functions of every part of the foot, as well
as of the legs from the knee and hock down, though not neces-

72 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

sarily iu their ultimate scientific minutiee, are as necessary to
make a perfect shoer as is the mechanical skill to make a perfect
shoe.

Condensed Anatomy. — Fully appreciating the importance
of these suggestions ami knowing that an accumulation of detail
often deters the average reader and thus defeats the design of
the writer, a concise review of the general anatomy of the horse's
foot will he introduced here, coiitnininsj- ojdv the hriefest hint
of the essential organs of locomotion, wdiicli nuiy serve as a
convenient reference chart to the general features of the sul)ject
under discussion.

S})eaking first of tlie external structure of the foot alone,
the parts with which the farrier has to deal, are the wall, sole,
bars and frog, all well enough known liy name, but less familiar
in their relations with other parts and the mode of their co-
operation.

The hoof is composed of horny, hair-like fibers, closely matted
together and forms the natural protection of the sensitive foot.

The wall is that ])art of the hoof visible when the foot rests
naturally on the ground, and is the main factor in bearing the
horse's weight.

The bars are a continuation of the wall forming the angles
at the heel, and assist in the lateral expansion and oppose con-
traction of the heels and quarters.

The sole is contained within the lower margin of the wall,
and is a concaved plate of flexible horn covering the ground sur-
face of the foot.

The frog forms the back part of the sole betw^een the bars,
and is the natural butter of the foot for the prevention of injury
aad jar to the limb.

The wall grows indefinitely, but the sole and frog naturally
throw off flakes or scales when they have growm to a certain
thickness and are essential in their entiretv for the maintenance

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEIXG. 73

of the foot in health and its protection from injury. The hoof
incloses the coffin-bone, which is the terminal bone of the leg.
To this bone are attached the principal tendons that bend
and thrust the foot forward, and to it also grow the tough but
tender, leafy tissues which dovetail into horny ridges on the
wall ; these attachments being technically called the sensitive
and insensitive laminee. These leafy tissues working together,
carry the stress of weight with an elastic movement, their vari-
ation, under pressure and without, being found to be about one
quarter of an inch. The result is a wonderful elastic spring be-
tween the end of the leg and the external hoof, and tliis with
the springy action of the coronary and frog cushions and lateral
cartilages, acting together with the expansion of the arched
bars — all being compressible under pressure — is the wise provi-
sion of nature to ward off and minimize the concussion on a
horse's foot in motion.

The Center of Gravity. — Having reached this point, let
us observe the going as well as the external and internal struct-
ure of a horse's foot. The horse then who draws presses first
on the toe, then successively on the sides to ease the toe, then
upon the heel, from which it immediately rises again. Trot-
ting and running horses press the toe relatively lighter, landing
first upon the heel, but in either case the effort of the weight
of the horses fixes the real point of support neither upon the
heel or toe, but on the middle or ball of the foot — between
both, where is located the center of gravity, which is easy to
demonstrate anatomically: thus, the cannon-bone presses on the
head of the upper pastern, this on the lower pastern, this again
on the navicular and coffin-bones, the center from where it is
projected upon the ground bearings of the hoof without. In a
sound and healthy organization, the succession of rapid move-
ments of the living animal, adducts or shifts the center of grav-
ity toward and through the median line or center of the heads

74 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

of the coffin-, pastern-, and fetlock joints, in ;i smooth, even,
and eqnally-balanced movement, and tlie function of locomotion
is performed with }icrfcct and efficient activity. But let any
change or irregularity, however slight or obscure, occur among
the elements of the case, whether in the relations of co-opera-
ting parts, or of toi'ni, dimension and location of foot bearings,
whereby certain parts of a linib are forced to accept the portion
of the weight which belongs to others ; in short, whatever tends
to defeat the purpose of nature in organizing the locomotory
apparatus by interfering with or misdirecting its normal move-
ment will ultimately result in that loss of haiMiiony and lack of
balance betrayed by disabled functions and testilied by lameness.

Emphasizing the Facts. — Tn thus digressing it is only to
establish certain primary facts relating to the main subject, in
the hope of drawing attention to the necessity of every horse-
man and farrier clearly comprehending this branch of it be-
fore entering upon its sequel — the jjrcjiaration of the foot for
the shoe — in order to prove that without it as a foundation
upon which to rest the whole modus opcravdi, and as a final
resource to fall back upon in all cases where accurate judgment
is required, there can be no permanently favorable results
secured from any treatment instituted, howsoever skillful or
experienced the operator may otherwise be. The value of
appreciating this and of knowing the natural formation of the
foot, is, practically to know when the foot is losing that natural
form, so that it may be shaped and shod to assist nature in re-
storing it. How, then, shall we shoe a horse to preserve intact
the normal conditions of the feet and legs, so as to affiyrd them
the necessary protection in the performance of their varied func-
tions under the most exacting conditions which civilization can
impose, enabling all to act together in perfect harmony and
with absolute efficiency?

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 75

Variation of Feet. — From the natural form of the hoof we
perceive that it descends obliquely outward, whereby it becomes
considerably broader at its basis than at the coronet; it also de-
clines in height toward the heel, and this change of contour,
together with the changes of growth, aftects its size and the degree
of obliquity in its various parts. Too much importance can not
possibly be attached by the workman to this variation, for it is of
the first importance to discriminate accurately and determine pos-
itively the normal and abnormal positions of the limb. It fre-
quently becomes exceedingly diiiicult to do this, owing to the
close similarity between the natural and unnatural positions exist-
ing in horses of difierent breeds, and to do it satisfactorilv will
often require the exercise of the closest scrutiny and draw upon
all the resources of experience, sound judgment, and anatomical
knowledsre. Horses' feet are alike in their anatomical combina-
tion, but they differ in conformation, condition, and size, and
what will suffice to level and balance one horse will have no
satisfactory effect on others.

The Angle of Incidence. — But in a majority of cases the

I

solution of this first problem relating to the correct fall of the
angle of incidence may be easily obtained by carefully observing
the outlines of the pasterns, and closely noting the motion of
the whole extremity and especially of the joints. Sometimes
the overgrowth in length of toe or heel is too distinctly evi-
dent to admit of error, but in every instance the shoer must not
fail to make the foot the subject of a thorough and intelligent
examination, for upon his decision as to its natural position and
the succeeding step, namely, leveling the ground surface of the
hoof so that its angle will conform exactly to the inclination of
the pasterns, is where the art of farriery comes in.

What Rule to go by. — It would be misleading to lay
down any arbitrary degree of obliquity, as it naturally varies

70 SCIENTIFIC horsp:shop:ing.

more or less in almost every individual horse, sliort pastern
horses standing at a a^reater angle than those with long [lasterns,
and hind feet more than the fore ; henee, tlie natural bias of the
superimposed structures is the only safe guide to follow.

How to get on in the Work. — As the slightest departure
from exactitude here renders wliatever amount of care that may
be devoted to the completion of the work worse than useless, and
as every one knows that accurate leveliuij; can not be done l)y
the unaided eye, mechanical means must be resorted to for the
purpose, and a scientitic leveler and compass should therefor
form part of every farrier's outfit.

Farriers' Tools. — All the world over, the simplicity and
fewness of farriers' tools, have from the beginning, marked the
slow progress of his invaluable art. The buttress, the knife, the
clinch cutter, the hammer and the pinchers have comprised his
"kit" of tools, and these as a general thing of rude or inferior
construction ; latterly, however, they are of better design and
material, and more elective in use. But now, to be up with the
spii'it of the times, the shoeing smith needs more scientific toc^Is
for expert workmanship in leveling and adjusting the angles of
the foot, to secure that precision and perfection imperative!}" de-
manded, and to supply this long felt want I am performing a
duty W'hich needs no other words of explanation in referring my
readers to the " Russell Foot Adjuster,'' a description of which
is inserted here wnth directions and illustrations for its practical
use, as a preliminary guide to the subject proper, and which
will follow after in due order of place and connection.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 77

RUSSELL'S SCIENTIFIC FOOT ADJUSTER.

HOW TO USE IT IN ACCURATELY LEVELING AND BALANCING THE FOOT WHEN

PREPARING IT FOR THE SHOE.

This device is very simple and effective, consisting of a flat
metallic rim or bed-plate, similar in form to an ordinary horse-
shoe, to which is pivoted at the center of toe a movable quad-
rant (the quarter of a circle), the arc of which is graduated or
divided into 90 degrees, from the horizontal plane to the right
angle of the segment above, and which is operated by means of
a lever, working the sweep of the quadrant forward and back.

A stationary indicator is also fixed perpendicularly to the
toe of bed-plate, and this registers the angles of the foot upon
the surface of the quadrant when the lever is brought forward
against the wall of the hoof. The lever is also marked to a scale
of inches and fractional parts, so that the height or depth of
wall is obtained at the same time with its degree of obliquity.

The Adjuster Applied. — This arrangement is best shown by
the accompanying illustrations of the adjuster in position for use.

Fig. 16. H, II, upper surface of the bed plate of the ad-
juster (with quadrant projecting in front).

Fig. 17. Side view of foot with adjuster applied to toe.

A, A, rim of bed plate pressed firmly against bottom of hoof.

B, B, lever for moving the quadrant and measuring height of
wall. C, stationary indicator registering the angular face of the
wall. D, arc of the quadrant inscribed with degrees as shown.

Fig. 18. Front of foot with adjuster abreast of the quarter.

Fig. 19. Adj.uster registering the angle of quarter as seen
from the back of foot.

Fig. 20. Leveling-plate to be used in connection with foot
adjuster.

Other Mechanical Aids. — Fig. 21. Compass for spanning
and ascertaining the exact height of the wall at different points,
necessary in leveling and equalizing same.

78 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Ill addition to tliese instruments every farrier should be i)ro-
vided with a mctal'rule having a scale of about 6 inches, and
also a short narrow tape line (18 to 24 inches long) ; the special
uses of which will be made apparent in the explanations to
follow.

Method of Procedure. — Fig. 22 shows the uplifted foot in
proper position for handling and examining it while ai)plying
the adjuster and testing the angles at different parts, as well as
afterward, when viewing its levels and proving its balances.

With the foot in this suspended position, we begin the oper-
ation of scitMititii-all V Icvelino: and balancin<2: it, bv startinof a
line throuii'h center of frog-cleft and carrying it forward over
the point to center of toe at base of hoof, dividing the foot from
front to back in two equal halves. See Fig. 23, line A, B, B.

Mark the point at base of toe (with chalk), then, with a tape
line, measure the circuit of the hoof round the top border at
coronet (just below the hair), and starting again at frog-cleft, as
the center of operations, measure half way round the coronet
from both inner and outer sides, and mark }ioint of meeting at
top of wall in front, then draw line from point at base to point
at top, and you will have the center or median plane of foot and
leg as shown by line H, H, in Fig. 18.

Xow, with the foot still in hand, take up the adjuster and
press the bed-plate firmly against the bottom of the foot and
turn the lever down until it rests upon the front toe of wall, as
shown in Fig. 17, and observe whether or no the angle of the
toe corresponds with the normal slope of the pastern, also if the
wall lines up with the straight edge of the lever, evenly and
truly from base to coronet. The first consideration is that the
obliquity or angle of the toe should be the same as that of the
ankle above, and the second is that any abnormal growth or
variation in length, convexity, or concavity, should be reduced
to a normal or healthy form, according to the principles subse-

PKACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 79

quently laid down for that purpose ; and by this process of ad-
justment every shoer ought to succeed in obtaining a clew to
the solution of the first problem in farriery, namely, how^ to
secure and preserve a perfect level and balance in the foot.

Next, measure off about 1 J or 2 inches on each side of front
toe at base of hoof and mark same, then draw a line from each
of these points to connect with the top of line in middle, to in-
dicate the bearings of the inner and outer sides of toe, as shown
in Fig. 18, lines E, E.

After properly noting the foregoing, we may, from thence, the
more easily reach our conclusions touching the other parts of the
hoof to which the same proceeding applies, that is, in the use
of the adjuster on both inner and outer quarters, carefully ob-
servinof the ano-le of each and the line of the wall that one side
may be made uniform with the other side in height and degree
of obliquity.

Next, let the foot down to stand naturally on the leveling
plate, Fig. 20, and view it from all sides, to properly gauge and
determine its best natural position ; then, with the compass. Fig.
21, divide the space between the line E and the heel of hoof
into two equal parts, and mark the points at base and at coronet
and draw a line to connect same as shown by letter F, Fig. 17.
This is to- be done on both sides of quarters, and then, in the
same way on both sides of the heel as shown by letters A, B,
Fig. 19.

These lines are next to be accurately measured with com-
pass from coronet to base of hoof, or to face of leveling plate
on which it rests, and the two opposite lines at inner and outer
sides of toe, quarters and heels, made to compare and agree by
marking any inequality existing and paring the hoof level round
the circuit of the wall as directed in a succeeding page and as
shown in Fig. 23.

This is always to be done with reference to the normal
slope of the pasterns and to having the front line of hoof incline

80 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

on the same angle with them, wliich can be easily verified at
any stage of the work by the use of the adjuster, with or with-
out the assistance of the leveling plate.

When this is done with one foot, the same method of pro-
cedure with each of the other feet will enable the smith to brinir
tlu'm into precisely the same good form ; his work will also be
done on true scientific principles beyond the criticism of his
most exacting patron, and must prove a boon to horseflesh
generally.

It will, of course, be observed, that the (piarters are
straighter or more upright than the toe (compare Figs. 17 and
18), and that the degree of obliquity varies in almost every
horse, ranging from 4.^ to 56 on front toe of fore feet, and per-
haps a little more for the hind feet.

But the main points to be impressed here are, that the
natural slope of the pasterns is the only safe guide to be followed
in all cases, and that the two fore feet of the same animal should
always be alike, and the two hind feet alike, whatever difference
may exist between them otherwise. In this way the horse will be
enabled to tread upon feet of the same relative form in the same
relative way, an advantage to their working in perfect harmony
over irregular growths and dressings that is simply beyond our
power to estimate.

The center line through the leg and middle of heel and
toe, as shown in each of these figures, represents the exact axis
of all normal leg and foot movements. The weight is precipi-
tated in a direct line downward through the center of the bones
and joints until it reaches the fetlock, where it is thrown for-
ward on the angle of incidence formed by the pasterns and
coffin-bone, represented in Fig. 17 by letters G, G. In a well-
balanced horse, each foot and each part of a foot, combine to
perform an equal and uniform function, and to carry an even or
equal portion of weight distributed in the natural way. But
any unevenness or irregularity of the base of the hoof, which

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 81

is the final point of application, will displace the physical bal-
ance, and a single alteration in the proper balancing of the body
will result in a complication of foot disorders which may baffle
the best skill to remedy, and leave our burden-bearing servants
to succumb to their inevitable fate. Hence the benefits to be
derived from the use of these instruments will be apparent to
all practical shoers. Instruments of similar intent and purpose
are used by mechanics in every trade, even when not dealing
with vital, living structures, as is the case in this pursuit, where
any deviation from absolute accuracy causes suifering and un-
relieved distress.

Different kinds of Feet. — I have previously indicated that
a horse's hoofs may, by. variation of growth or usage, be either
perfect or imperfect, and these last may also be rugged, long,
crooked or flat, and the frogs may be broad or the heels narrow,
and I have pointed out the necessity of paying due regard to
each of these conditions in determining the natural form and
size of the particular kind of foot being dealt with, also to the
employment of all the farrier's care and address in bringing it
to its best form, as there are many apparently trifling circum-
stances which have much to do with the conditions of orderly
soundness and efficient activity which are too often overlooked.

The Natural Model. — If we examine the natural healthy

feet of many horses, we will find that their essential shape is

the same. Some may have grown more luxuriantly than others,

it is true, whereby the crust will be deeper, or the bottom part

may be worn and battered, giving the hoof an uneven, ragged

appearance ; but when this superfluous or broken horn has been

removed, it will be found that the bottom of the foot is nearly

circular, the sole concave, the frog broad, the bars distinct, the

commissures deep and the heels expanded. Surely no one will

dispute that this form, which the Creator has given, is the most
6

82 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

perfect and far better adapted to all purposes than any that can
be given by the most ingenious farrier

Rational Shoeing. — When, therefore, we undertake to
get a horse's foot into condition, this rule may be invariably de-
pended upon, that any mode of shoeing and treating the foot
which has a tendency to alter the form or design of nature is
highly absurd and destructive, while that practice which best
tends to the conservation of its natural uses is alone founded
upon sound and rational principles.

Fig. 23 shows a natural, healthy lioof properly prepared for
the shoe, and clearly indicates the only parts which should be
reduced when a foot is being made ready.

Fig. 24 shows the uj)per surface of the same hoof with
longitudinal and tranverse lines, indicating the proper balance of
a level foot and the normal center of gravity at intersecting
point.

Fundamental Principles. — It may be accepted as a guid-
ing principle that in a natural healthy foot, the outside rim of
the horny wall and that small portion of the sole immediately
attached to it cm which the shoe is to rest, are the only portions
of the foot to be interfered with in preparing the foot for the
shoe, and, whenever possible, the necessary trimming ought to
be eftected by means of the rasp. Conditional exceptions to
this general rule are, of course, to be fully noted in my observa-
tions hereafter, on shoeing different kinds of horses, and in the
treatment of diseases. Natural physical conditions are alone
treated of in this section.

The feet must he placed upon the same plane and in pro-
portion to the skill displayed in this alignment, will danger of
injury be avoided, as the smallest deviation from a perfectly
level bearing entails disastrous consequences, not only on the
foot but on the entire limb.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 83

Securing the Levels. — In the foot itself, when the weight
is borne unevenly, the lowest part receives an undue share ; the
pressure retards the growth and free play of the parts, and the
foot in consequence, becomes, weakened distorted and deformed.
In the limb, deflected as it is by an uneven basis, from the
ground surface to its union with the trunk, the incidence of the
weight is imposed unequally, and bones and tendons mutually
sutler from the strain.

The wall, then, must be perfectly level, that is, no more is
to be taken from one side than from the other, and this is deter-
mined by exact measurements with compass at opposite points
all around the hoof, indicated by the lineB in Fig, 23, from cor-
onet to ground surface, and having same agree. Details are
fully given in connection with the use of the foot adjuster, for
which see Fig. 17.

Maintaining the Balance. — Also the foot must be bal-
anced, or in other words, from a line drawn through the longer
axis of the frog the measurements to opposite points should be
the same on both sides of the hoof; this means simply that a
longitudinal line through the center of the frog, must at all
points, be the center of the foot or divide it in exact halves, as
in this way only will the force of the foot-fall be carried through
the center of the column of bones and be equally and naturally
distributed upon the supporting apparatus of bones and ten-
dons and the weight-bearing portions of the hoof. The active
principle of this indispensable arrangement is best illustrated in
Figs. 25 and 26, and is explained with the use of instruments
in Fig. 17.

Preparing the Hoof. — In thus leveHng and balancing the
foot, my practice is to remove only such portions of the sole as
nature is about to cast off, that is, those portions which are ex-

84 SCIENTIFIC JlUKSKSllOElNci.

foliatiiiii" and dostituto of tlie iiatiu-al moisture and floxibilitv
that exist in a liealthv i,n'o\\tli. ami tlieii to rediu*e tlie wall to a
level with the untouched, healthy or sound sole. I aim to have
every part of the wall. Irom tlu* auii'le of the heels to the toe,
receive a good, broad, equal bearing- on the shoe, unless there is
some special reason for doing otherwise. With some feet, hav-
ing a stroma healthv growtli, this means a great deal of euttinii:
(especially if shoes have been worn, and worn a longtime) : then,
again, there are feet which re(|uirc very little reduction, hence,
the work must be done with constant and intelliijent reference
to the inclination of the pasterns as alretidy }>iescribed. Some-
times the hoof \\ill irrow all to toe. and aii^ain the izTowtli at the
heel will be more marked, or the foot niay be run over by hav-
ing one side too high or the toe worn off excessivel}'. To rectify
this, and to better its adjustment a good ]dan is to look at the
old shoe to see where it has worn most and Ite parti v ^-uided b\
that. The point is to remove so nmch of the wall as would be
a surplus srrowth, or so much onlv as will briiiir it back to its
natural form and adjustment. And this after all must depend
u}>on the judgment, expertness, and ingenuity of the farrier, who
should, however, never lose sight of the fact that if the heels are
allowed to grow too high, an excessive strain is thrown upon the
bones, while if the toes are too long the tendons suffer in like
numner. The shai'p lower rim of the wall should be rounded-
off justa little to prevent splinters, and of course all stubs or
nails should be removed.

Opening up the Heels. — Tlie junction of the wall with
the bars affords a firn\ natural bearing for the heel of the shoe,
and is to be rasped level with the wall and s<j low as to be ex-
actly even with the frog, Init the so-called process of " opening
up the heels " by removing the bars, is a most disastrous practice,
to be strictly avoided. The bars are the lateral braces and bind-
ers of the foot, and the arch which they form on either side

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEIXG. 85

admirably fits them to admit and limit, to a proper extent, tlie
expansion of the foot, as well as to powerfully oppose any dis-
position there may be in the hoof to contract, by assisting the
heels in retaining their natural form.

Indefensible Practices. — There may be differences of opin-
ion among authorities as to minor details in shoeing, but there
is one practice not open to argument, and which all alike se-
verely condemn, and that is the utterly senseless and atrocious
custom so characteristic of the common every-day horseshoer,
of thinning out the sole and trimming or mutilating the frog.
1^0 mau has ever been able to assign a reason for acting contrary
to the first principles of his own work by destroying that whicli
lie is aiming to preserve, and yet this has been and is the most
frequent procedure of so-called farriers in their treatment of the
frog and sole. They persist, with an obstinacy which sets com-
mon sense at defiance, in paring and hollowing out the sole even
to the quick, and to forming an exact "fine frog," regardless of
consequences, though these are of the most serious nature and
aftect the vital integrity of the living animal.

Thinning out the Sole. — From the connection, thickness
and flexibility of the horny sole, as well as from its arch-like
external contour, it is wholly destined by nature to serve as a
cushion to the sensitive sole (velvety tissue) which rests upon it.
By hollowing away the sole in paring, it dries and shrinks by
exposure ; the horse loses his natural defense against violent
shocks of a pavement, or any kind of external violence, and
thus the sensitive sole becomes easily inflamed by being bruised
or wounded (disease called villitis).

Trimming the Frog. — The horny frog is also designed for
contact with the ground for the prevention of jar and injury to
the limb, and the presence of this thick, elastic, compressible

86 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

mass of horn in a healthy unmutilated condition, permitted to
reach the ground (while the animal is moving, at least), is abso-
lutely essential to the well-being of the foot, the more especially
if high speed is desired. The frog is nature's cushion and hoof
expander (in connection with the bars), and to alter this state is
fatal to its usefulness, for such act causes it to shrink, dry and
harden, when, both as a cushion and expander it is a dead flat
failure. The frog is also the main supjiort to tlic }tluntar cush-
ion, which in turn supports the liack tendons, so that without
its natural pressure the tendons s(n>n become jaded, inflamed and
swollen, and it is tlius ;i main factor of safety in travelinij or
riding.

Neither the frog or sole ever become too large or thick by
natural growth or usage, ior they scale or cast ofl" flakes as they
pass beyond the life maintaining stage of tlie producing tissues,
and a certain degree of ex[)0sure is required for their vitality
and resiliency. In cases of existing disease, where resort to the
drawing-knife may be required to relieve or assist the affected
parts, I plainly treat of such in the subsequent pages; but in
normal conditions the sole and frog should, on no pretext wliat-
ever, be disturbed by the shoer.

Weight of the Shoe. — Two things must be strenuously in-
sisted on for the shoe ; one is, that the shoe be as light as possible,
and the other is, that it be made or moulded on its foot-bearing
surface to an exact counterpart of the hoof to which it is ap-
plied. Bearing in mind that the original and legitimate design
of the shoe is for the preservation and defense of the hoof from
undue wear, we should not misconcieve this purpose by attaching
to our horses' feet any uncalled-for weight. Light shoes pro-
portioned to the weight of the animal and the nature of his
work, are infinitely preferable to heavy ones, for these latter are
a burden at best and a constant tax on the energies of a horse,
as is meaningly implied by the familiar saying " that an ounce

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 87

at the toe means a pound at the withers." It is not surprising
to those conversant with the facts that the majority of our horses
are at the decadence of their powers when they should be at
their prime, and a prolific source of such disability is the habit-
ual necessity of pounding along on hard roads, with over-
weighted, iron-clad feet, ensuing from the conventional mode of
shoeing.

Calculating that a horse going a fair trot lifts his feet all
round sixty times a minute, and this with shoes weighing two
pounds each, the reader will be able to realize how enormous the
amount is that can be unnecessarily raised to the wear and tear
of the living members.

As an example, suppose a horse shod with shoes weighing
two pounds each and traveling at such a jog as requires him to
lift his feet all around once in a second or sixty times a minute,
keeps up his speed for five hours, how much work does he per-
form— that is, how much does he lift ?

Lifting one foot sixty times a minute ; for four feet, 60 X
4 = 240. Lifting two pounds each time, in one minute he will
lift 480 pounds, which, multiplied by 60, will make in one hour
28,800 pounds, and in five hours, 144,000 pounds, or 72 tons.
This calculation is based upon the scientific experiments of
Mons. Bouley, of France.

The injury of artificial or excessive weight carried at the
extremities of a horse's limbs is always increased as the rate of
speed increases. But even for our heaviest draft horses it is not
necessary to increase the concussion and battering, inseparable
from their bulk, by an aggravation of several pounds of metal
on each foot when an equal or greater advantage is to be found
in shoes weighing only half as much : and one may well be ex-
cused for wondering why horse owners do not deal with this
issue as one of self interest.

88 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Form of the Shoe. — The shoe should huve a portectly
level, wull-beuring surface; but to mellow and soften any {»res-
sure on the sole which has a certain amount of descent under
the exertions of progression, the plaue of the shoe should be
concaved or beveled off inwai'dly, as shown in Fig. 27.

The web of the shoe should be fashioned substantially, but
not unduly wide. Narrow-webbed shoes are eminently the best,
as they do not obstruct the growth of the sole, nor interfere
with its natural strength and liexibility.

Setting the Shoe. — It is a commun thing ior wi'itei-s to
admonish that " the shoe must be fitted to the foot, and not tlie
foot to the shoe," and it would seem an unnecessary caution
were it not a fact that the average farrier only [)artially prepares
the foot at first, leaving the remainder of the work to be done
after he has fitted the shoe — to his eye. Any inequalities or
deficiencies then in the shoe are either burned into the hoof or
it is rasped ofi:" and made, somehow or other, to conform to the
size and shape of the shoe. I need hardly add that this practice
is wrong, and that the outcome of it is pernicious in the ex-
treme.

Hot and Cold Fitting. — Burning a badly or even well-ad-
justed shoe, to a badlv or well-prepared foot, is injurious, and is
to be deprecated under the most favorable circumstances, but
the fusing of a red-hot shoe to the foot surface, as is generally
practiced, can not be too severely condemned. Burning the
sole will, in time, overheat, blister, and destroy the laminated
and membraneous structures of the foot, causing lameness or
intense pain, and often suppuration and lesion of the living tis-
sues. The horn secreting tissues of the hoof under these cir-
cumstances are impaired or suspended, and when closely exam-
ined show an absence of the cohesive matter which unites the
healthy fibers, which thus disintegrate and become hard, dry

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 89

and brittle. The advocates of hot-fitting though, present
many specious arguments for the furtherance of the practice.
It is alleged that shoes can not be fitted so rapidly nor so closely
by any other means, and this is generally true, for, by burning
the shoes on, an accommodation is forced between the hoof and
the shoe, and accuracy is thus secured, but at the expense of
the right growth and operation of the foot, and any one who is
a practical shoer, with any knowledge of anatomy, knows, with-
out being told, that "mild and careful" work in hot-fitting is
rare among workmen, while its indiscriminate and excessive
use is a matter of every-day occurrence. Horn, being a non-
conductor of heat, is slowing aftected by it, and it is claimed that
three minutes burning of the lower face of the sole is necessary to
produce any indication of increase of temperature on its upper
surface. This is a fallacy, as I have tested and proven many
times, by operating upon and dissecting green specimens with
soles of varied thicknesses, when by the application of hot shoes
for the specified time, I found that the soles of ordinary depth
were penetrated by the heat and the sensitive sole scorched and
the laminal tissues burned and charred. In the living subject
these effects would have been disastrous, and they convinced me
(if that were necessary) that the foot of a horse is in no sense to
be compared to an inanimate block of wood which may be
carved or charred at man's unholy will, or to suit his capricious
whims.

And because it is a vital organ filled with life and feeling,
the necessity which there is of thought, care and skill being ex-
ercised in our treatment of it, is pointed out to us by the most
indubitable evidences of nature. The economy of time and
labor attained in the process of hot-fitting will, I am sure, never
counterbalance its evil effects. While it is probably true that
.more shoes can be fitted in a given time by hot-fitting than by
cold, that is no argument in favor of its expediency, for it fol-
lows as a logical sequence to be applied here, that it is the con-

90 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

sistent business (>f the shoor always, to give form to the surface
of the foot as well as to the shoe, and that the final test of skill
and intelligence is in the best adaptation of one to the other, so
that the least possible hurt shall be done to the foot.

Fic^. 28 illustrates the correct wiiv of fitting; a shoe, with
proper length at toe and heel, with foot leveled and balanced, and
front of wall in line with the natural inclination of the ankle
from toe to fetlock, all as clearly defined in the section on the
use of the adjuster. (See page 77.)

Whenever the face of front toe does not line out full and
straio-ht from coronet to srronnd surface by reason of deficient
growth, excessive wear, or paring down, the shoe should be
made to cover out in front to the line of the natural tread, and
thus supply the deficiency of the hoof. Also, where a quick
going over of the toe is desired, let the shoe supply the same
by being rolled or beveled on the ground surface instead of
shortening up the toe of the hoof, as is so frequeirtly done.

Adaptation of the Shoe. — From this manner of setting,
it may be observed that dangerous compressions will be avoided
and the shoe rendered more secure by having it conform to the
ground tread of the foot, and by having the nails placed in the
quarters, three on each side (directly opposite) being sufficient.
In effect, the more easy the shoes set upon the feet the more
active the horse will be. So large, long, thick shoes make him
heavy, unwieldy, and hobbling. A long, wide shoe is preca-
rious, for the longer the lever the greater will be the drag upon
the clinches of the nails, and thus horses will be more apt to
trip and strike them off. The body of the shoe being unyield-
ing, the flexibility of the hoof yields to the shoe heel, and the
thicker the shoe is and the more it covers the sole, all the more
subject is that of the horse to meet it, thus weakening the fet-
locks and heels by compressing them as if in a constant vise,
because they have always the same inflexible point of support.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEIXG. 91

Hence, we learn that the shoe must be made uniform with the
spread of the hoof, and perfectly plain or flat in its actual bear-
ings, in order to adapt it to a close, even seat all around ; not too
thick or wide (varying, however, to suit the necessities of the
case, for a medium-sized horse being about f inch thick by |
inch wide), nor projecting beyond the natural circuit of the
ground tread. After securing a perfect adaptation of the shoe
to the foot, the two levels to fit each facing, do not spoil the job
by going back to the anvil, as many do, and give it another final
hammering, thus altering the foot surface of the shoe and caus-
ing a misfit at the last.

Fullering and Punching. — Nail holes should be punched
through the shoe straight, or inclining slightly outward, directly
opposite one another (except in cases where otherwise directed),
that all danger of cramping the foot may be avoided when the
nails are driven. The fullering and punching should not be too
fine, that is, too near the outside of the shoe, but suitable for
the size of the nails, so that they may enter and fill the same, as
then they will stand sure and endure longer. If punched
coarser, a stronger and better hold may be taken in the wall,
and the nails need not be driven up so high as to prick or en-
danger the sensitive structure.

Concerning the Nails. — Never use inferior nails, for they
invariably break oti" or bend upon slight occasions, and the
shoe will work loose from the foot, or be quickly lost. A
good nail should have a strong, stiff neck and shoulder, flat,
thin shank, and sharp point, without hoUowness or flaw. A
low, short, thick hold for the nail is better both for the ease of
the foot and the security of the shoe. Two of the most common
evils in shoeing are using too many and too large nails, and then
driving them up too high in the wall. The fewest and smallest
nails that will insure the shoe remaining on for a reasonable

92 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

length of" time, is a rule that should never he departed from.
For if a perfectly level bearing has been obtained, as ought to
be the case if my directions are followed, only a few small
nails will be required to hohl the shoe securely in ]tlace.

Fig. 29 shows a full-size, transverse section of a hoof, with
shoe fitted and luiils properly driven, to pass obliquely out
through the strong, thick jiart of the wall, away from the
cavity occupied by the sensitive structures of the foot.

Driving the Nails. — As much care is required in the final
adjustment of the shoe to set it right and tit the foot e(|ually in
all ])laces, the two middle or quarter-nails should be driven first,
with a few soft strokes of a light hammer, till they are some-
what entered; then see that the shoe fits the outer lines of the
hoof evenly and justly, on one side the same as on the other, and
that the tread is square and straight. Otherwise, either one or
both of the oiterations — of leveling the foot and fittinof or
adapting the shoe — may be set at naught by a failure to nail
the shoe on in its proper place. When this is done, let the
rest of the nails be driven so that their points stand out in
line; then cut them ofl:' and clinch them, turning the clinchcB
down with the anglt- of iht' hoof and hiding them a little by
filing or rasping the wall slightly underneath the clinches before
laying them down.

The Finished Work. — The shoer's work is now supposed
to be completed, and he must know when to stop. He must not,
therefore, give any "finishing touches" to the hoof l)y rasping
ofl' the outer crust of the wall, in order to make it seem round
about the shoe. An ever-beneficent nature has provided for the
entire wall from the coronet to the base a fine film of natural
horny varnish — the periople — which is necessary for its protec-
tion and perfect growth. By robbing it of this proper horny
coating, the farrier inflicts an injury on the foot beyond the

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 93

reach of art to imitate or repair. Hoof dressings and other oily
preparations can not replace the loss of this natural healthy,
glossy layer, and their use to polish the hoof is detrimental to
the growth or development of the horny tissues.

Sizes of Commercial Nails, with Recommendations for

their Various Uses.

JTo. 2. For plating running horses and colts.

3. For " trainino^ shoes" on running horses.

4. For the track horse.
4^. For the roadster.

5. For the roadster.

6. For general business and hack horses.

7. For omnibus and stage horses.

8. For lio^ht draus^ht horses.

9. For heavy draught horses.

10,

n.<

12.

For the heavier breeds of draught horses, such as the
j^orman, wearing extra heavy shoes (from G to 8
pounds), for which extra long nails are required.

94

SCIENTIFIC hoksp:shoeing.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING.

95

Fig. 19.

/

Wt? RUSSELL'S

100,11 plEffiiE'PING

I li|{l|llH|liiill[lll»lU|l|ii|lll1iillli|iWliii|il|l|| y

li;;;iNCH'ES''S'

Fig. 20.

Fig. 21.

96

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 22. position of foot, uplifted, in
the mo.st convenient av ay kok holding
same in obtaining levels, ascertaining
its gradations and duly propoktioning
it before shoeing.

A, A, Wall-bearing surface leveled
and i^repared for the shoe.

B, Cleft of frog, marking line
through center of heels to middle
of toe.

C, D, C, D, Heels leveled and
equalized from coronet to ground
surface.

E, E, The wall leveled and lined
up equally from coronet to base op-
posite the quarters.

E, F, Coronet level from upper
border to base at each side of heel.

G, G, Dotted line showing how
one side of the heel may be twisted
out of its proper position by an un-
equal bearing of the foot, produced
by uneven wall (high or low on
either side), and improper shoeing.

Any overgrowth of hoof will displace the natural balance
of the horse and cause him to dispose his feet in or out, or
carry his legs forward or back in the direction of the greatest
bearing point, while with feet leveled and balanced, as they
should be, he will stand correctly and move with ease and com-
fort all the time.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING.

97

Fig. 23. showing under surface of
a perfect front hoof troperly pre-
pared for the shoe, with guide lines
for leveling and balancing the foot.

A, Center of frog cleft in line
with the insertions of front and
back tendons, and parallel to their
straight line of movement. B, B,
Line through longitudinal center
of foot, dividing it into exact
halves and indicating middle of
heels and front toe. C, C, Line
transversely across center of foot,
midway through inside and out-
side quarters. The point of inter-
section of these lines indicates the
normal center of gravity. D, D,
D, D, Intersecting lines marking
the width of inside and outside
toes and heels. E, E, Branches
or forks of the frog on either side
of the median cleft. F, F, Bars
on either side of the frog. G, G,
Commissures or grooves between
the bars and frog. H, H, H, H,
Line marking height of heels from
coronet to base. I, I, Concave
surface of sole. J, J, J, J, Wall-
bearing surface leveled and pre-
pared for the shoe.

These lines indicate the main points where the wall of the
hoof is to be measared from the coronet to the lower rim or
base, in order to obtain equal and exact levels around the entire
circuit. The height of any two opposite points on either side
of line B, B, must correspond, that is, the sides of toe and heels
and quarters must be alike to insure proper levels, and the
width from the converging center, near point of frog, to any
radiating point on opposite sides must be equal to secure a per-
fectly-balanced foot.
7

98

SCIEXTU'IC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 24. upper surface of a perfect hoof, corresponding with the
under surface shown in the pkixeding figure.

A, Internal ridge or spur of the frog-stay dividing the fissures.

B, B, Internal fissures, or depressions between the bars and frog, in
which tlie plantar cushion finds lodgment.

C, Internal point of fi.ssures corresponding with external summit of the
horny frog.

D, D, Internal surface of the horny sole.

E, E, External upper face of wall.

F, F, Dotted line indicating thickness of wall.

G, G, Transverse line across center of hoof midway through quarters.
H, H, Longitudinal line through center of hoof marking middle of toe

and heel. The intersection of these lines locates the normal center of gravity.

I, I, Upper margin of the coronary band called the periople ring and
continuing to the skin.

J, J, Laminar leaves of horny tissue coming out from the internal
face of the wall and extending over' the bars.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING.

99

1—0

Fig. 25. side view of a perfect fore foot and leg, standing naturally,

AFTER it is LEVELED AND BALANCED ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS GIVEN.

A, A, Front or toe of hoof, lined up with inclination of pastern, at an
angle of about 50 degrees. B, B, Angle of incidence, through axis of the ter-
minal bones, and center of foot joints, locating the normal center of equipoise
at the base. C, C, Line of vertical descent, through axis of leg upon which
the stress of weight and momentum pass to fetlock and pastern. D, Center
or pivot of fetlock joint where the stress is imparted or deflected through the
phalanges of the foot, and thrown out on the bearing surfaces of the hoof.

100

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

A A

Fig. 26. transverse section through quarters showing the natural

BACK position OF FRONT FOOT STANDING AFTER liKING I'KKPAKED FOR THE SHOE
AS INSTRUCTED.

A, A, Base or spread of the hoof accurately leveled and balanced.

B, B, Upper border of hoof showing levels at coronet.

C, C, Cutigeral groove or cavity in which the coronary cushion rests.

D, Interior fissure in which the plantar cushion is imbedded.

E, External projection of summit of horny frog near center of sole.

F, F, Vertical line cast through axis of the bony column locating the
normal center of gravity in a balanced foot.

G, G, Wall of hoof across the quarters, lined up on both sides, equally
from coronet to base.

H, H, Arch of horny sole crowning the ground surface.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING.

iOl

Fig. 27. front foot shoe for general road or business purposes.

This shoe may be regarded as a standard pattern for gen-
eral use, and should be about f in. thick x f in. wide, to weigh 12
ounces, varying when necessary to suit the horse to which it
is applied. The above view shows a good flat wall-bearing sur-
face and the inner rim concaved or beveled to avoid pressure on
flat, soft, or weak-soled feet. For ordinary driving six nails are
suflficient, three on each side placed opposite each other in the
quarters as indicated. The shoe should fit the toe and heel and
follow the circle of the wall neatly, and the ends of the branches
are to rest strongly on the bars at each side of the heels. The
ground-bearing surface of this shoe should ordinarily be per-
fectly flat.

1U2

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 28. natural position of a pkkkect foke foot on the ground,
leveled, balanced and rightly kitted with shoe in accordance with
the rules laid down.

This figure shows to advantage the proportions of a symmetrial foot and
pasterns of right size, length, and slope to give the desired strength, vigor, and
suppleness. It will be observed that the angle of the hoof at toe and heel are
continuous with the natural bias of the pastern, and that thus the poise of
the leg and foot is unconstrained and perfectly adapted to sustain the weight
and perform the functions of locomotion witli ease, comfort and security.
The shoe is adjusted to the natural-ground tread of the foot following the circuit
of toe, heel and sides, being affixed with three nails directly opposite one an-
other on each side. In this way the foot lands evenly, the strain is equally
distributed between the bones and tendons, the expansion is uniform all
around, and all danger of foot or leg soreness is entirelv avoided.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING.

103

Fig. 29. full size, transverse section, through hoof near the heel,

SHOWING actual THICKNESS OF THE VARIOUS PARTS IN A HOOF OF MEDIUM SIZE.

A, A, Thickness of wall at quarters.

B, B, External junction of bars and sole at base of wall.

C, C, C, C, Continuation of bars, overarcbing and joining themselves to
the frog and sole.

D, D, External bulbs of the frog forks divided by the cleft.

E, Internal frog-stay or spur projecting into the thick part of the plantar
cushion.

F, F, Internal fissures divided by the frog-stay, designed to receive the
plantar cushion.

G, G, Internal cavities which form the seat of the wings of the coffin-bone.
H, H, External gaps, called commissures, separating the bars and frog.
K, K, Cutigeral groove, or cavity, in which the coronary cushion rests.
S, S, Shoe properly applied on the level bearing provided by the under

rim of wall, with the nails driven at right inclination to take a strong, short
hold and come out of the wall with the least injury to its fibers and without
hurtfuUy compressing the sensitive structures of the foot.

The marginal line surrounding the hoof shows its relative
angles and levels with the rectangular border.

103(1 SCIENTIFIC IIOKSESlIOEINti.

Practical Balance of the Foot and Leg. — The principal
points demanded in the training and development of a perfect
and sound horse are, for a diiving liorse spued and endurance,
and for a draught horse, strength and endurance. How can
the utmost speed or greatest strength with endurance be best
attained? These are the ends aiuK'd at by the skillful and ex-
perienced farrier, and after the practical experience of a lifetime
extending beyond the allotted years of man, I am ready from
that practical experience, and from my observation of the j>rac-
tical experience of others, to give to the world what measure
of practical knowledge has come to me in the way of the devel-
opment of speed, or strength, with endurance, of the highest
class in the horse.

In the first place, it is undeniable that the whole value of a
horse depends primarily and always upon the ooundness of the
feet and legs; and in the second place, upon the skill, compe-
tency, and good, practical judgment of the farrier. The most
important thing the farrier should know is that the more equal-
ity of pressure ol)tained at all ]ioints of the feet and legs, at
each footfall, the greater will be the speed, or the more eficctive
the strength, with endurance, attained — and this stands to
reason. There are three very essential points which he should
bear in mind to attain to these desiderata. First, the farrier
should know how to obtain accurately the natural angle of the
foot — that is to sav, he should know when to cut and where to
stop cutting. Such a man is master of his trade. For any
damage to a horse from a neglect or ignorance in this particular
can only be repaired by time, which means loss of money to the
owner, if not lasting injury or death even to the horse. The
proper preparation of the horse's foot for the shoe is there-
fore of paramount importance in farriery. The horse's hoof
corresponds to the human finger nail, and a perfect knowledge
of the hoof can only be obtained by dissection ; and it is much
more humane to acquire that knowledge by operating upon the

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 103^

dead subject than upon the living animal, as lias frequently
been done. Any one can attest to the pain and annoyance of
having the finger nail cut to the quick, and yet our suffering is
as naught to that of the horse who has undergone the same
operation.

Before proceeding to dress the hoof, observations should be
taken from in front of as well as the rear of the horse, to ascer-
tain whether the foot is directly underneath the leg — that is, if
the center line of the foot is in the same vertical with the leg;
then from either side take notice of the vertical line, and
whether the upper and lower pasterns are on a line with the
front wall of the foot, when the horse stands on a level floor ;
that is, to see whether the leg tilts in or out. In either case the
hoof is not level on the ground surface. Equalize by sight as
acute as possible the wall, and determine how much should be
removed by the rasp and at what point or points, in order to
obtain the desired equal bearing on a level surface; then pro-
ceed to remove the superfluous horn. In dressing or paring the
feet, so as to obtain equal heights for the front feet and also for
the hind feet, the eye can not be trusted. Guesswork must now
cease ; mathematical accuracy is demanded. This can only be
obtained by resorting to the use of mathematical instruments,
and for this purpose the six-inch compass, foot and heel adjust-
ers, have been invented and adopted (pp. 94 and 95). The
method of procedure described on pages 77, 78, 79, 80, 81,
shows the use of the instruments. The front feet being of the
same length from the top of the coronet to the ground tread,
and shoes of exactly equal weight being used, the stride of the
front feet will be of the same length at each footfall when up to
speed. The correct rule for the angles of the front feet to be
observed is, when the former stand at an angle of 48 degrees,
the latter should be at 50 degrees, for the reason that the hind
legs constitute the propelling powers of the horse. This has
been my never-failing rule

103c SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOKING.

Before going into detailed description of tlie different con-
formations of feet met with in our daily work, we will assume
that every animal had perfect feet, or we will take a colt never
shod, and go with him through life; and we will also assume
that it is impossihle to adjust a shoe to the horse's foot without
some injury to that part of his anatomy. Now the duty of the
farrier is to reduce that injury to a minimum, so that the shoe-
ing will not shorten the career of the horse or reduce his value.

The parts of the foot to be carefully observed are the wall,
sole, frog, and the angle of obliquity of the wall at the toe,
which varies in different animals. The breed, labor, and also
the roads on which he works, play an important part, and each
case must be treated in a different manner. The horse that
works on the farm will travel sound and show no inconvenience
with shoes that would lame him on artificial paved streets and
roads, and again the shoes used in our cities would not answer
for the agriculturist; the latter are too long, and are liable to
be pulled off in the soft ground. Be that as it may, the same
careful preparation of the foot for the shoe should always be
demanded. Too strict adherence to these rules can not be ob-
served, to insure sound feet and legs.

The angle of the wall varies in different animals; what
that angle should be in each instance must be determined by a
lateral survey of the foot and leg, so as to liave the strain or
weight equally divided. If the toe is too lung, the flexor ten-
dons and suspensory ligaments are overtaxed. If the toe is too
short and the heels are too high, there will be damage done to
the bones and ligaments of the joints. As a consequence the
animal will be deprived of that elastic, bounding, graceful foot-
step, which is so beautiful in the colt, and results from a well-
balanced foot. In removing the horn, as the wall and sole are
rasped off together, a line of demarcation will present i'.self
about three-eighths to one-half an inch from the outer edge ot
the wall. This line shows where the sole abuts; it is united to

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. lOSd

the wall, and is of value as a guarding point, showing how
much of the crust can be removed with safety. The dividing
line will show the outer wall thicker at the toe than at the
quarters or heels; shorten or reduce it by careful manipulation
of the rasp against the edge of the crust to an equal thickness
all around with the plantar surface of the foot in view ; then
turn, and with the hoof placed on the knee, smooth the lower
edge of the wall, to obtain the desired results. If the foot is
balanced, the weight is equally distributed on the laminated
tissue.

Each portion of the anatomical structure bears its share of
labor and performs the functions nature intended in a rational
manner. The external portion of the hoof is a modified con-
tinuation of the outer or scarp skin, with similar functions to
prevent evaporation of moisture and protect the sensitive struc-
ture, beneath which, if too much of nature's protecting envelope
be removed, a sensitive surface is the result. The outer wall is
more liable to become hard, dry and brittle, and lose that elastic
spring, where the shoe, never intended for it by nature, is at-
tached to the foot. If the foot, as a rule, is kept properly bal-
anced, we seldom meet with lame horses.

The frog is composed of spongy horn placed in the center
of the foot between the bars, beneath the column of bone, and
when in a healthy condition is very elastic. Its ofiice is to
break concussion, and under no circumstances, except for a
surgical operation, should it be touched with a knife. Too
strict adherence to this rule can not be enforced. ISTot even the
rags should be removed; if left alone they will do no injury
and come oft* at the proper time.

The bars are a continuation of the wall, bent at a very
acute angle, at the heels. They form stays to the quarters and
should be cut with judgment — that is to say, that portion which
projects below the sole, especially on heavy draft horses work-
ing on city pavements. These are more liable to be afflicted

103^ SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

with what is tenneil broken burs, similar to quarter eracks; but
the latter are in the external portions of the hoof, although they
may penetrate deeply into the soft tissue, often producing lame-
ness. This sole, like the frog, exfoliates, and when left to na-
ture the old horn is cast off at intervals as the new is strong
enough to take its i)lace. But when, after the foot has been
shod, the squamous tissue is protected from wear and held in
place by the protecting shoe, that dead portion should be re-
moved ; but do not use the knife too freely. The sole should
be left as strong as possible in perfect feet.

It goes without saying tliat the after usefulness of a horse
depends upon the good judgment and practical experience of
the farrier shoeing him. It is not a question of how cheap, but
how good? As the old adage holds: Anything half done is
not done ; " any thing well done is twice done."

As to shoeing speed horses, no man can intelligently shoe
one without seeing him in harness; and, while standing in
front, he should watch him as he approaches and passes, and
notice how he picks up his feet and puts them down on the
ground. If the horse's motion is level and smooth, his front
and hind strides will be of the same length; if he is hitching
and hopping behind, these strides are unequal. A skillful,
practical horscshoer can overcome this by close observation.
Again, the farrier may have properly balanced the feet; but the
driver can undo all the good done by unbalancing the body in
checking up the head too high. The fault may not be in the
shoeing, but with the driver.

To balance the foot and leg is, therefore, the first and all-
important step, before shoeing. And the w^ork will not be
complete or well done until they are made to stand directly
underneath the body, as before enjoined. To neglect this is the
greatest mistake, from which certainly may result any of the
diseases which impair the foot and leg, and ultimately, if not at
once, ruin the horse.

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 103/

The next and equally important point is to make and fit the
shoe to suit the diseased condition of the foot and leg, so when
the shoe is nailed to the foot the horse will stand with his feet
and legs naturally under the body. When this is done, two-
thirds of the victory is gained. I have never seen any disease
of the foot and leg where there was a permanent cure effected,
unless the foot and leg were made to stand naturally under the
body.

My sole object in getting out the fourth edition of my
treatise on Scientific Horseshoeing is to give my former as well
as other patrons the benefit of the new illustrations, showing
the different diseases to which the feet and legs are subjected.
As I maintain always, seventy-five per cent of the foot and leg
diseases are caused from unbalanced feet.

104 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

CHAPTER V.
SHOEING YOUNG HORSES.

TO BALANCE AND REGULATE ACTION AND GAIT.

Conditions of Action. — Xot to go too deep into the liter-
ature of the subject, it seems that the walk, trot, and gallop have
always been the natural gaits common to horses, iuHuenced by
their environments and the nature of the icround over which
they traveled. On the other hand, the ingenuity of man has
evolved various breeds and given them dilierent phases of ac-
tion, in order that certain demands not naturally existing, but
arising in a later day civilization, might be fitted. This shows
that the quality or characteristic of action is, in a measure, ar-
tificial, because as soon as the natural necessity for any specified
gait ceases to exist, the gait ceases with it, unless training by
man is substituted for the original demand. At the present
day, therefore, we notice that all breeds of horses are distin-
guished by some special method of action, which is an essential
factor in determinino: the intrinsical and fancv value of anv of
their representatives. The trotter that can not trot, or the
hackney that can not lift his knees and hocks, is generally an
unsalable commodity. It would serve no special purpose to go
more fully into the details of this section. What I am most
anxious to show is that the natural conditions of the ground
over which horses must travel should regulate their gaits, and
that for any given method of progression the proper style of
shoes must be adapted and applied witli a nice intelligence so
that the exercise of their legs and feet may be fully sustained
without violent waste of effort. In animated beings, soundness
of parts and liberty of movement constitute the perfection of

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 105

existence ; hence it becomes a paramount duty that the training
and gaiting of horses be primarily conducted within this scope,
a prerequisite of which is the observance of certain rational de-
tails appertaining to the affairs of shoeing which all horsemen
should understand.

Care bestowed in Colthood. — While attention is being
continually drawn to the foot of the horse after it is shod, few
references are made to the hoof of the shoeless colt. The lat-
ter is, by some peculiar oversight, left to take care of itself, as if
it required no preparation whatever in the early stages of its
existence. Consequently the limbs and action of many young
colts are impaired from neglect of proper supervision of the
most important of all his aids to locomotion — his hoofs. I have
visited many breeding establishments of racing stock, where the
last consideration of the proprietors appeared to be the import-
ance of supplying conditions under which the feet of their
youngsters could have every chance of proper development.
Many times there may be seen promising two- or three-year olds
with ragged, uneven feet, growing into all shapes but the right,
when the most simple early attention would avert disease or de-
formity. If the bearing surface of the young animal's foot is
uneven, it most surely results in weakness of the limb or visible
deformity when he arrives at maturity. Defective hoofs are of
as a serious nature in the immature colt as in the full-grown or
aged horse, and as much to be counteracted as in the horse reg-
ularly shod by the expert shoeing smith, and neglect may bring
regret at a later day ; for, in the case of the former, permanent
injury is the result of inattention. He may grow in or out at
the toes, either calf kneed, bent kneed, or knock kneed, just aa
the bearing surface of the hoof maintains its relations to the
joints, ligaments and tendons of the limb of which it is the base.

First Trial of Shoes. — The horse's hoof is after all a erood

106 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

deal of what wo make it, and if our horses from colthood up,
had their feet more carefully attended to, the period of their ac-
tive usefulness would he greatly extended, and in every way they
would be found better suited for the work rec^uired of them. I
am in a position to know some of the main causes that are re-
sponsible for imperfections of gait and action in horses, and one
of the foremost among them is the first shoes that are put upon a
youngster. To shoe a colt for the iirst time and shoe him scientifi-
cally, put a very light shoe on him, and every shoo the same
weight front and hind, tlien you liave your horse balanced per-
fectly, as nature made him, and if }»ure gaited he can always be
sliod so. Aftorwai'd if he betrays a lack of balance, faulty ac-
tion, or an uneven gait, a diivcr of keen observation can cer-
tainly discover the imperfections and apply the proper correct-
ives. To force a chauire in his wav of sroing must be at the ex-
pense of the joints and tendons. For if the articulation is such
that the limb is forced to go in a wrong dii-oction, any irregular
or increased weighting of the foot to force it to go in a different
direction will undoubtedly result in serious trouble. A broken
gait and unbalanced movement comes from some evident cause.
Remove that cause and the ill effects quickly disappear, and tlie
animal becomes comfortable in his action, with the result of
an increased desire, as also increased capacity to speed faster,
and in such a smooth, rythmical way that it becomes a real
pleasure to the noble animal.

Modifications of Action. — In the course of my long ex-
perience as a shoer, I have necessarily had a great deal to do by
adaptation of shoos to the balancing and trueing of irregular
and mixed gaited horses, representing every type and condition
of foot soundness and soreness. I have thus come in contact
with many horses where the cause of such disordered action
seemed obscure, or where the true seat of trouljle had its origin
or location elsewhere, while apparently leaving its mark or mak-

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 107

ing its sign at the extremities of the limbs. It is proper to sug-
gest, therefore, that, when beginning examinations at these
points and failing to identify the trouble, you should not sus-
pend investigations without subjecting other regions of the limbs
and trunk to a close scrutiny, until the real cause of the ailment
is discovered and you have satisfactorily remedied it before per-
manent injur}^ ensues from neglect or inadvertence. It may be
that the horse is not well-balanced in physical build. If the
shoulders are very straight the feet will not be properly flexed,
nor will they if the pasterns are short and upright. He may
have long legs and a short reach underneath, or he may have
long, sloping or weak pasterns and be unnaturally close coupled
in the back, or exceptionally open-angled from hip to hock.
Also he may be long in his sweeps behind or he may carry his
head too high or too low for a proper balance on his limbs, and
any one of these so-called structural defects — by insufficiency or
misdirection of purpose — may give rise to a derangement in the
movement of extention or flexion, to take effect in action or srait,
or may lead to injur}' of the feet or limbs, as I will amplify in
the section on "Faults of Conformation."

Care of Horses' Mouths. — Illustrations in point of prob-
able or remote causes assisting to disturb the action and break
the gait of horses — which shoeing will avail nothing whatever
toward remedying — may be found in the horse's mouth.

This is one of the most sensitive organs of the equine econ-
omy. All young horses coming three or four years old should
have their mouths and teeth carefully examined when any
symptoms of tenderness or irritation are shown, as it is at this
age that some of the deciduous molars are replaced by the per-
manent teeth. In some cases this gives rise to much pain and
annoyance to horses, affecting their temper and sensibility.
Ap-ain, in some horses, the structure of the teeth is of a compar-
atively soft nature, and wears upon the grinding substances in

108 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

a ragged and uneven manner, which severely cuts and lacerates
the tongue and cheeks, or, by a driver repeatedly lugging on
one rein or the other, hard, sharp, spur-like points are formed
or irregularly grown on the borders of the teeth, which become
an exciting cause of injury to the gums and membranes of the
mouth, impairing the natural processes of mastication and con-
tributing at the same time to a bad way of going; also, the ani-
mal may sufi'er from toothache, due to a displaced crown of a
temporary molar, or from ulceration, which will cause it to
champ fretfully upon the bit and lurch to one side in such a sud-
den manner that he "looses his feet," by becoming bad in iiis
action and tangled in his gait. If a horse pulls his head and
uvvk out of line with the median plane of liis bodv the hind
limb on that side is correspondingly misdirected, and its foot
is forced to land between the front ones instead of in line with
them, this cross-tiring naturally impairs the steadiness of his gait
and injuries are liable to occur from it. Tf a humane treatment
of the teeth is pursued by people who own horses they will ob-
viate these changes of locomotion, and at the same time be
amply repaid by the improved appearances of their animals
through proper mastication of their food and in their general
order of movement.

Handling Young Horses. — In gaiting young horses, much
lies in the understanding how to equip and handle them. A
driver or trainer can make or unmake the " thoroughbred close
up," as he is wise to see that which is good, proves it worth, and
holds fast to much that is tried, until it grows from the stage of
experiment to law of permanent action. A horse may have
plenty of spirit and yet be free from the undesirable habits of
shying, breaking his gait and losing his balance, if the reins are
made to deliver their right message. You might take a good
horse, properly shod, and handle him like some cranky drivers
do, and you could never judge just how a horse would best han-

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 109

die himself. The horse that is least governed is the best gov-
erned, when you want to get at the point of how light or how
heavy his shoes should be to get the best speed and style of ac-
tion. Trotters are changed to pacers and pacers are changed to
trotters simply by an adaptation of shoes to the animal's way
of going, and instances are on record of horses trotting in one
race and pacing in another, the change being eiFected simply
by shoeing. It is true that this can not always be effected for
some families pace naturally, and again it is nearly impossible
to make a pure square line trotter into a pacer, but some have
naturally an interchangeable gait, and if the possibilities of
scientific shoeing were more thoroughly understood, we would
see less crooked-legged, knee-padded, tendon-booted horses led
out to display their forced speed, and its utilities would make
their own demonstration in every department of horse enterprise.

Determining the Gait. — You can. not have strained ten-
dons, swelled joints, and irregular-gaited horses if the feet are
trued and balanced and the shoe properly adjusted to carry out
the balance. Do this, and their action will be true and their
gait equably sustained all the time.

In developing a horse's gait and speed, shoeing is a matter
of the utmost importance, and one which requires the greatest
study and care. It is, in fact, half the battle. Careful, patient
experimentation, extending over many days, or even weeks,
may be necessary to ascertain these points. Not until they have
been ascertaified and safely met is the colt ready for a " trial of
speed," or for the adjustment of any settled gait. For a green
colt, no matter how pure-gaited he may be, is almost certain to
cut his shins or his knees by striking them with his feet when
he begins to travel at a high rate of speed. The skillful horse-
man will carefully study all these varying points. The shoeing
will largely depend upon the individual necessities of the an-
imal and other similar conditions.

IIU SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Regulating the Gait. — With a view to correcting and bal-
ancing with proper shoes and weights any faults lie may have^
carefully note every point in the action of a young horse while
giving him a little ])reliminary driving. If the action is dispro-
portionate, or the propelling i)Ower of the hind limbs excessive
and their stride longer or more rapid than that of the front
ones, their movements can be regulated and equalized in this
way. The feet must first be leveled and balanced in the manner
provided for when shoeing the perfect foot. (Fig. 23.) Very
light shoes are then to be put on all round. For the front feet,
use the pattern of scoop-toe shoe seen in Fig. 121, as this will
quicken their revolution. Then, by using the shoe (Fig, 180) for
the hind feet, havin<r the ends of the branches calked length-
wise and turned outward beyond the heel 1 inch or more, the
flexion and extension of these limbs will be retarded to a deerree
that will accommodate them to the ditference in movement of
the front limbs.

In all such instances, however, the weight of the shoes
must be adapted to suit the style of action, some horses requir-
ing more and some less weight, to fulfill the purpose in view.
In cases where light shoes fail, or where the horse has a low,
swift gait behind and does not use his hocks sufiiciently, it is
necessary to shoe heavier behind than in front — the hind shoes
to weigh, say, from 4 to 5 ounces more — because the greater
weight on the hind feet will cause him to use his hocks and
muscles more in picking up his feet, and this will naturally tend
to slow the action behind and thus allow time sufficient for the
front feet to get out of the way.

If the action is naturally well-balanced, the shoes should,
of course, be of the same weight all round.

Balancing the Action. — It is sometimes a matter of great
difficulty to balance and square the action of horses, especially
trotters. The requirements are so many and varied that various-

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. Ill

■expedients must be resorted to in securing the benefits of
shoeing.

Some horses are long, low striders, and others high, short
steppers. Some require heavy and some light shoes, and every
style of open, bar, flat, concave, rolling, and weighted shoes,
with difterent lengths of toes and heels, are necessary, amongst
the rest, for times and occasions, to regulate and balance the
action of difi:'erent horses ; and much of the success that should
attend the acquirement of a pure gait, or the correction of a
faulty one, depends upon the discretion exercised in the selection
of the rio-ht kind of shoe.

When the action of a horse is short, high, and quick, or
*' choppy," in front, it will generally be found that the toe of
the foot is too short and the heels too high, or that the pasterns
and shoulders are upright. This can be remedied in effect by
lowering the heels as much as possible, which will bring the
foot more to the ground. In case the front part of the hoof has
been rasped or pared too short, the shoe should be extended over
and beyond the toe, and thus acquire a proper extent of ground
surface. The weight of the shoe must be determined by the
driver or owner as to what is best adapted for the horse to
carry with ease and safety.

When the action in front is long and low and stiff-kneed,
put the foot in shape as for the perfect foot (Fig. 23), and use
the scoop-toe rolling-motion shoe shown in Figs, 121 and 134,
which will shorten the stride by lessening the extent of the
ground tread, and at the same time eft'ect an increase of knee
action. A still more efiicient aid in these respects will be found
in the use of the plain rolling-motion shoe (Fig.125), for in pro-
portion to the increase of the roll in the shoe, so will be the
increase of the action in the knee. The roll heightens and
hastens the action, imparting, as it were, a " down-hill" impulse
to the ste

A common cause of bad action in speed horses is tenderness

112 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

or soreness in the feet, resulting from improper shoeing. To
shape and properly adjust a shoe to meet the varying require-
ments of a horse's foot is an art that is not as thoroughly under-
stood as it should be (as I have elsewhere shown), and there are
still many primitive methods assoriutcd with tlio professional
practice. Xo man is tit to shoe a horse unless he can balance
and level a foot scientitically so as to preserve or restore the
natural bearings of the joints and hoof, which is, after all, the
main thing necessary, and the (piantity of skill displayed in thi&
respect constitutes the real dilference between the skilled and
unskilled workman. An ill-litting shoe is as inconvenient and
painful to a horse as a tight boot is to his owner, and the com-
parison more than justitios itself when it is borne in mind that
the horse's shoe becomes a fixture not to be discarded at will,
whence follow impaired action, distorted hoofs, corn })ruises,
inflammations, etc. A foot thus shod may be tortured by the
cramping of nails around the toe or be " underpunched " and
driven upon the sensitive parts ; or by scooping out the sole and
then shoeing with too light, thin plates, causing what is known
as " foot scald." Other penalties are inflicted by burning, caus-
ing the hoof to become hard and dry; and in destroying the
right angle of the foot by having high heels and short toes, or
vice versa. A horse with a low gliding action behind can only
move efiiciently with light-weight shoes, as the labor in such
cases devolves mostly on the muscles of the thigh — the hock not
opening wide, and much weight on the foot soon becomes fa-
tiguing. The shoes for the hind feet should therefore be light
as can be safely worn, and be well concaved on the ground
surface, without heel-calks, as shown by Fig. 149.

The Useful Gait. — It only remains to be added in this
connection, that it will pay horsemen to cultivate that most use-
ful gait for any horse — however restricted it may appear —
namely, a good walk. The steady, good, four-miles-an-hour

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 113

walk is the gait that " gets there " with the most regularity and
with the least amount of wear and tear of team and vehicle
every time. The team that walks steadily and well, without
being required to mar the walk by trotting over part of the
road, generally reaches its destination before the one that divides
the distance into periods of brisk trots and very slow walks.
To improve the walk of a team, it should be taught to work
persistently at that pace, without alternating the performance
by any other style of going, for the time being, for that would
spoU the salutary effects of the lesson.

114 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

CHAPTER VI.
SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING.

DEALING WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF FEET.

That there is a wide margin of ditterence in respect to the
conformation and proportions which characterize the feet of
ditferent kinds of horses, or horses reserved for particular uses,
is too constant and well established a fact to require formal as-
sertion here, and that it is the practical difficulties of adjusting
suitable shoes to meet these varied requirements that most of
the failures of farriers is due, can not tor a moment be denied.
There is always a choice of modes and instrumentalities avail-
able to the farrier, a question of preference as to this or that
alternative in shoeing, and it often involves a considerable amount
of practical ingenuity and good judgment to decide on a proced-
ure that will insure good final results.

This, indeed, constitutes the most difficult part of the art
of shoeing, for it is plainly evident that all feet, differing as they
d'o in conditions and uses, can not be alike operated upon, nor
can one kind of shoe be supposed to answer the purposes of all.
The safety, speed and endurance of a horse greatly depend
upon the adaptation of hi§ shoeing to the nature ef the work he
has to perform, and at all times a careful application of it to the
state of his foot.

In general terms this represents a comparison applicable to
"the science of horseshoeing in its best state, that, in its degree,
it demands as much expertness, knowledge, and attention to

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 115

details, as is required in the construction of a delicate musical
instrument that it may keep in tune and harmonious action.

The mode of dealing with each foot, therefore, should be
influenced both by its kind of condition and the kind of service
for which the horse is designed. A want of attention in this
respect or a disregard of the consequences entailed by such neg-
lect, is largely responsible for the disasters that wait on misap-
plied shoeing ; not only marring the utility of shoeing to all
intents and purposes, but rendering it a menace instead of a pro-
tection.

Without being an alarmist, and not presuming to claim a
monopoly of advantages in criticizing the objectionable features
most noticeable in the common run of horseshoers' work, I
again refer to my observations in Chapter TV on the importance
of settling and balancing the foot on the normal center of
equilibrium, which it must be understood inclines, and is fixed
or altered according to the natural or unnatural growth of the
hoof; then, in the right adaptation of the shoe to maintain and
carry out this balance. Reiterating these primary facts, all
the more from the frequency of the instances where they are
w^holly disregarded (there being one good intelligent shoer, it is
safe to say, where there are ten others ruining horses right
along), and to the further fact that they are at the very begin-
ning of all inquiries relating to the proper shoeing of horses of
any and every kind, as well as to the cause and treatment of many
foot ailments. Hereafter my references and comparisons in
dealing with the other portions of my subject may be considered
as constantly applying to, or as being based on, the general mat-
ters of shoeing advanced in the chapter just mentioned.

The Running or Galloping Horse. — The running horse
occupies a legitimate position at the head of field racing. As-
pirants for distinction in this class must have physical merit to
make prominent those qualities which alone prove most accept-

116

SCIENTIFIC HORSKSHOEING.

Fig. 30. r.\cixg plate fok lirxNiNo ou

(iALLOIMMi IKlItSES.

able on the track — vital-
ity, strength, ppeod, ami
endurance. Tlie running
horse concentrates the
full i»o\vci' of a perfect
aninuil organism in his
terrific hursts of speed,
and is rewarded accord-
ing to his deserts. Con-
sidering the i ni Til e n s e
length of stride, or the
distance covered with
each forward movement
or jum[) in the act ot
gallo}»ing, when each front and lilnd pair of hi})ed8 are
extended to their utmost in ra{)id succession to receive, sus-
tain and transfer the weiijlit of tlie bodv, as well as the burden
of the rider, it will he readily ajipreciated that the result of
these efforts (sometimes prolonged in hard contests) must prove
a severe test of the structural makeup of any horse, and that in
the eliminating process where exceptional P[)ced marks the
"survival of the fittest," a large proportion of all running and
racing horses soon cease to be available for speed or any other
profitable purpose. From the violence of their exertions they
are liable to sprains of tendons and ligaments, and a s})rained
leff must ahvavs remain a weak leg.

The great sprain producing c>r '• breaking down '" pace is
the gallop, but (as this injury more nearly concerns the limbs
above the fetlock) as a rule, running horses have much better
feet than trotters. This is due to the softer tracks over which
they, course, and to the consistent use of light thin shoes,
so that the frog impinges the ground with such a firm tread
as to overcome any interposition to the expansive capacity

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 117

of the foot while in action, we must, for the most part, ascribe
that better condition observable in the feet of running horses.

To preserve them in this way, despite their hard manner
of going, it necessarily requires judicious care and the barring
out of most of the objectionable features to be found in shoe-
ing. When properly applied according to their natural require-
ments, the training shoes of running horses are quite light, placed
on with only a few small nails, not to unnecessarily crowd, split,
or weaken the wall ; then, before racing these training shoes
are removed, the feet accurately leveled and balanced like the
form in Fig. 23, and racing plates substituted. The latter are
a light, narrow rim, about ^ in. thick x f in. wide, weighing,
say, 1| to 2J ounces, though this must be proportioned to suit
the conditions of going, gait, balance, etc. These plates should
be well concaved on the ground surface, with a line edge all
round, to catch the first impulse of the spring at the toe without
slipping, and be adjusted to the precise line of the hoof, just
covering the wall-bearing to insure perfect action without com-
pressing or touching any other part. The nails should have
thin, narrow blades and sharp points and be driven around the
sides and heels even to the extreme ends of the branches of the
shoe, as shown in Fig. 30 ; to point out through the thick lower
margin of the wall, and thus secure a solid, permanent hold, as
shown in Fig. 29.

In this way, the task (worthy of the most intelligent farrier)
to combine the rio;ht and useful utilities of the work will be in-
sured, to the desirable end that " violence during locomotion,"
which constitutes th6 serious and irreparable accident termed
" breaking down," will, at least, be restrained in so far as shoe-
ing can effect it.

The Trotting Horse. — The trotting horse must be consid-
ered in the light of a pattern road horse — generally useful in
form, gait and docility, to meet any demand — combining the

118

SCIENTIFIC IIUKSESHOEING.

ambition ot" u s^eiitleniaii's driver an<l the reliabilitv of a ladv'^■
phaeton liorse. The influence ot" the trotting-bred animal is
favorably seen in its effects upon the general character of our
roadster stock, ^vl^u•h it has greatly improved for all practical
purposes and enhanced in all desirable respects. In other lines
his public performances on the turf have given the trotting
horse a prominence unef|ualed as his excellence, and he is every-
where fancied as the favorite among speed horses. In this re-
spect the distinctive trotter is an example of modern evolution ;
as will be seen by a reference to the following table, which gives
a list of the standard, record-taking j»erformers, in and subse-
quent to the year 180G, from which date the development of the
trotting classes are credited.

CHAMPIONS OF TllK FAST-CI.ASS REGULATION M1L1':-TRACKS.

u

ISOfi
1810
18'J9
183J
1839
1844
1844
1849
1849
1849
18.55
1.S59
1867
1867
1868
1869
1871
1872

Name.

Yankee

Boston Horse

Tope;iillaiit, 3 miles

Edwin Forrest

Drover

Lady Suffolk . . ..

rnknowu..

Pelhiim, converted pacer ..
Highland Maid
Flora Temple
Pocahontas, pacing to wagon.

Flora Temple

Dexter.

Dexter

Lady Thomas

.\mericnnGirl, 31 oz. shoes..

Goldsmith Maid

Lucy

o

■*

u

u

OJ

>i

2 59

1874

2 48>^

1875

8 11

1876

2 31

1878

2 28

1878

2 26

1.879

2.23

1880

2 28

1880

2.27

1881

2 24U

1881

2 17V^

1884

21954

1884

2 19

18S.T

2 17?^

]«9

2 181^

1891

2 193^

1892

2 17

1894

2 18^4

1895

Name.

same date

Goldsmith Maid

Lula

Smuggler

Rarus

Hopeful

St. Julien

St. Julien (
Maude S. \

Maud S

Maud S..

Jay Eve See

Maud's

Maud S

Guy..

Sunol..

Nancy Hanks

Alix (aeainst time)

14

13K
14%
12%
11%
11%

m

10

10

09%

08%

10%

08%

04

03%

(It is freely predicted that a speed of two minutes is not
only possible, but probable, in the immediate future.)

This gradual development of the trotting horse to his pres-
ent state of excellence, and the still greater excellence to w^hich
farther development in the future wmU certainly elevate him, can
not fail to improve all kinds of light harness horses in general
use. The trotter will train on and breed on. People who are
not horsemen, in the strict acceptance of the word, but who.

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 119

nevertheless, enjoy a ride behind a good horse, will become more
and more impressed with the fact that it costs no more to keep
a good horse than a poor one, and that in horses, as in every-
thing else, the best is the cheapest. The demand for good
horses will therefore increase, and as the general horsekeeping
public become more and more learned in the knowledge of what
a good horse really is, they will take nothing else.

In the evolution of the trotting horse the most vital and
imperative points commanding the attention of horsemen and
farriers have been the acquirement of constantly improved
methods and skill applying to the intelligent supervision of his
feet and legs, the most important parts of the animals structure,
upon the soundness of which its capacity for speed and power
of endurance greatly depend. I have already referred (in the
chapter on " Shoeing Young Horses ") to the many perplexities
to be encountered in the progress of shoeing trotting horses,
owing to the variety and velocity of movement, and because
each single front leg is required to alternate at certain successive
moments in bearing all of the weight and impetus of moving,
instead of sharing it with its counterpart, as in the act of stand-
ing or running, in all of which there is always an increase of the
difficulties of shoeing.

The weight and style of shoe, are, therefore, to be regarded
with the utmost nicety of judgment, and such matters must be
thoroughly understood in adapting the shoe to its proper intent.
It is necessary for the shoe to be well adjusted to a close, strong
bearing upon the wall, and that it be sufficiently wide to sustain
the usage required without bending or twisting, nor yet to touch
or bear against the sole. The shoe should therefor be beveled off
inside of the w^all-bearing and fit the hoof to the best advantage
uniformly around all parts, with a firm seat toward the heels,
and in all other respects let it be made and fitted like the shoe
for the perfect foot, Figs. 27 and 28. By having the ends of
shoes beveled off on the same angle as the heels of the hoof,

120 SCIKNTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

the force of landing will pass throuij;li the hall of the foot on
the risfht axis of tlio loi', without iniurv to the hack tendons.
Three nails on each side of shoe ()p])osite eacVi other will allow
tlie foot to expand equally on hoth quarters and thus avoid the
danjrer of foot and leff soreness. It should he home in mind
that pressure from the shoe must he kept ^>i\' around the front
part of the foot to prevent toe soreness, as tlie hoof grows more
at tlie toe than at the cjuarters.

Some liorses may I'cipiii'c scoop-toe shoes, or shoes concaved
on the ground surface, others, small heel calks ; hut these points,
together with weight of shoes, etc., must hv adjusted to suit the
stride and ijait of the horse. When starting trotting horses in
their spring work after a long winter's rest, it is advisahle in
some cases to have their front shoes weigh four or iive ounces
more than the shoes worn in the fall races, as these heavier shoes
will assist them in getting up more quickly to their stride. Reset
the shoes every ten or fifteen days, so that the foot may be kept
level and balanced, and at all times fit the shoes snug around
the hoof to avoid striking them oft' by an overreach.

Another point worthy of note in this connection is, that by
watching the action of a trotting horse an<l attentively listening
to the sound of each footfall, the rhythm of their movement may
be observed and anv irregularitv detected. Thus, if the action
is balanced the succession of steps will fall in regular 1-2—3-4
time, but if any irregular interval occurs — either slower or faster
— there is a dift'erence in the length of stride. Where there is
a long interval, the stride of the slow-moving limb is longer
than its fellows, and where there is a short interval, the stride
of the quick-moving limb is shorter than the others. These
irregularities may be due to some inequality of the foot — a high
heel or short toe will cause an unbalanced gait or an unequal
stride. A foot shorter on the ground surface — that is, with
short toes — is shorter in stride and quicker in its fall than the
others. If the front feet are upon the same angle, same height

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 121

of wall from coronet to base, same length of ground tread from
heel to toe, and carry the same weight and style of shoes, their
action and stride should be the same, and this rule applies also
to the hind feet.

To supply any insufficiency in ground tread of hoof, the
shoe should be made to project over the toe enough to line up
with the correct angle of hoof and pastern, all as explained and
shown in Chap. IV, with Figs. 16 to 29.

The Pacing Horse. — Having shown in the preceding chap-
ter that the necessity for action of a certain kind has in some
cases been the cause of breed evolution, and in others breed evo-
lution has necessitated the development of action of an entirely
difterent character, I come now to speak of one of these artificial
gaits as displayed by the pacing-bred animal. The pacing horse
shows his ability to successfully compete with other distinctive
" speed horses " in their own sphere, but he will not compare
side by side in popular favor with the trotter as a road horse.
The action is a succession of changes from one side biped to the
other, resulting in the active swaying and balancing of the body
with a sidelong shifting movement, developing in the best
types, great reach of stride at speed in an easy frictionless man-
ner, with much force and power of action.

For horses of this kind use as light and thin shoes as will
suffice for the protection of the hoofs from concussion in swift
movements, but no more. They should be concaved on the
ground surface to make landing secure without spreading or
sliding, and for the same purpose the hind shoes may have low-
heel calks. Figs. 140 or 149. In all other points observe the
order of procedure in leveling the foot, adjusting and nailing the
shoes, according to conditions noted in connection with perfect
foot. Chap. IV., Figs. 23 and 27.

The Racking Horse. — Another acquired gait is called the

1 •>•)

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING.

Fig. 31. enolish seated shoe for
kackixg or .saddle iioksks and for
general driving i'l'rposes on horses
having good stoxg arched feet.

rack, ■which is especially
adapted for saddle horses,
being a rapid, attractive
style, graceful and pleasant
for a rider — though, as horse-
men know — exactinor on the
stamina of a horse. The
gait is performed by the ac-
tion of each lateral biped in
rotation. The revolution of
the front feet exhibit a hisrh
knee action, full of mettle,
with a hard, almost perpen-
dicular descent; in conse-
quence of which there is an
aptitude in horses of this
class to overreach and thus strike oft" the front shoes by the for-
ward thrust of the hind feet.

The objects to be looked to in shoeing the racking horse
are to provide a secure footing and avoid unnecessary concussion
or the mischance of picking up stones. The shoes for the front
feet should therefore be of a light concaved pattern, such as the
English seated shoe show u in Fig. 31, or in case of overreach use
the scoop-toe rolling motion shoe, Fig. 121, as this will quicken
the action of the front limbs; and for still quicker movement
over the toe, use a plain roller-motion shoe, such as Fig. 125.
For the hind feet the addition of heel calks to shoes, as shown
in Fig. 140, will give a more effective footing by sinking deeper
into the ground. In all cases, however, the feet should be kept
strong in all parts and the shoes fitted accurately to a firm po-
sition on the wall, as for the perfect foot, Fig. 28.

The General Purpose Horse. — This class of horses may
be held to include numerous miscellaneous representatives of all

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 123

classes in all sorts and conditions of life : from the sleek, well-
groomed, and handsomely appointed, light-stepping roadster of
the successful professional or business man, to the "general
utility'' animals of the coach, omnibus, and livery lines, as well
as the workaday horses of the common carriers and the sedate
looking, steady going, well known family carriage horse.

Thus classified, or grouped, there is enough diversity in
size, style, and general character of performance to apparently
tax the ingenuity of the shoeing smith; yet there is nothing
formidable in this array after all, and all may be treated with
great ease and simplicity, though with that regard and atten-
tion which each may seem to demand. The same process of
shoeing as appertains to my formula for the perfect foot, and
the same shoe as shown in that connection (Fig. 27) applies
here, and may be followed with general success throughout, as
this shoe will prove most serviceable for all horses going at a
"'jog trot,"' especially for summer wear on the front feet. I
would not recommend the promiscuous use of calks on shoes,
for where such cramps seem of use to the support of a horse by
the impression they make in the surface, it will be seen from my
method of shoeing race horses, where the frog comes to the
ground, notwithstanding the course they run over is often slip-
pery and they are up to their speed, yet they seldom fall, and
this style of even, plain shoeing, would seem to be well calcu-
lated to answer for the same purposes generally. Still, when toe
and heel calks are required, it is well to state that the toe calks
should be of good length, set slightly back from the front rim
of the shoe, as this will assist the easy going over at that point
without deviation or hindrance to the action.

The Draft Horse. — Dropping from the higher types to
the draft horses we still find that conditions of environment
have given to the diflferent breeds of this class their own char-
acteristic ways of going. The true gait of the draft horse is

124 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

the walk, tliougli the candidate for the best honors must sliow
that lie can go faster than a walk when necessary, but still main-
tain his legs in such a position as to enable liim to exert the
maximum of his strength as occasion may require. A typical
instance may be selected from the Clydesdale familv, whose
long continued use in the heavy soil of Scotland has caused him
to lift his feet squarely up, flex his ankle joints deeply, turning
the sole of his feet squarely up, and then, with a long swinging
stride, implant them on the earth again, indicative of his perfect
ability to carrv or draw the burden to be thrown ui)on him. The
hocks of draft horses should not be carried too wide apart, for
that detracts from their power (resulting from muscular fatigue)
in the exertions consequent on heavy hauling. That the feet
of such horses should be stronir and healtlu', with iirni hardness
of hoofs, will be readily inferred from a consideration of their
important, special uses as supi)orts, from whence proceeds, as
tlie base of action, whatever there is of bodily strength or physi-
cal power to work or strive "with might and main" within the
sphere assigned them. Yet how frequently do we see horses of
this class with weak, tender feet, marked by mishaps from care-
less exposure to irregular, hard, loose bodies upon which their
heavy tread may chance to fall, or lame from the lodgment of
flints and pebbles between the sole and shoe, to which the cus-
tomary method of shoeing greatly contributes by paring down
the sole and frog, and weakening the heel by opening up the
space between the angles of the l)ar and wall, and then setting
the toe and heels too high from the ground, otherwise removing
them too great a distance from the point of support, which tends
all the more to an excess of pressure upon the cofiin-joint, as
well as to the fatigue of the nerves and tendon upon which it
rests, by the distention they undergo at every step the horse
takes. It is not to be supposed that teamsters, trafiic-men or
farmers give their horses' feet the particular attention given to
the higher class of racing and pleasure horses, but they can most

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 125

•assaredly give them common-sense care, and this will often spare
unnecessary punishment to, or save the life of, a useful and val-
uable animal.

" Experience keeps a dear school," but a wise man will
learn to profit by the mistakes of others, and this particular ad-
vantage everyone may reap from the foregoing references to the
present subject of inquiry, namely, to keep your horses' feet
strong as nature made them, level and balance them as I have
sufficiently pointed out and amply explained under the head of
" Practical Ilorseshoing." Pare away as little of the sole, frog,
and bars, as possible, to accomplish this end in the proper way,
then adjust as plain and light a shoe as accurately to the hoof
as may be done, and, lastly, fasten it on with no larger nor mon;
nails than are judged sufficient to make it secure in position for
a reasonable length of time ; and I will guarantee on the strength
of long years of experience and close observation, that the fruit-
ful source from which arise the many dangerous compressions,
inflammations, etc., already mentioned, will be obviated, and
you will have learned, without the aid of other tutor, the great
scientific lesson of rational horseshoeing.

But though this method may not be so generally adopted
by all in its utmost extent, for the reasons previously announced,
that froiii the diflerent formation of horses' hoofs, which in some
will always demand a particular method of shoeing, yet it un-
doubtedly applies to the majority of horses generally met with,
and the exceptions remain to be further noted.

The shoes for draft horses should be only moderately heavy,
not too thick, and as narrow in their covering as the case admits,
so as not to endanger the elasticity of the sole.

Figs. 32 and 33 indicate the patterns usually adopted for
front and hind feet respectively, showing four nails on each
side exactly opposite one another, to do the best service with the
least injury. Toe and heel calks are in general vogue for shoes
of this kind, and they should always be of equal height and low

12G

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 32. front foot shoe fok draft noRSE.

as possible — the lower thfr
better for the ease and
safety of the horse. The-
expediency of calks may
sometimes be questioned
especially on the front
feet, howsoever conveni-
ent or successful thev mav
be in respect to the hold
they secure, for they ag-
gravate the iiuMjualities of
bearing and d('})rive the
feet of liberty of accom-
modation, and work in-
juries to the freedom of

A, A, B, B, Figs. 32 and 33, Lines showing

the equal adjustment of shoe to the normal

center of foot from heel to toe and across the locomotory ap[)aratus

quarters, thus placing the weight upon the ^g previously mentioned.

right portions of the foot and the shoe under Resort to toe cliT)S

the right weight bearers. , , . , . ,

and burnmg them into the

hoof to assist in the retention of the shoe, is often [iroductive

of injury to and soreness in the foot — as I shall illustrate further

along — but when applied

they should be carefully

turned up with reference to

these effects, and also in line

with the auijle of tlie hoof,

usino^ a knife to notch the

hoof where they are to be

buried.

By the method of shoe-
ing proposed in connection
with Fie:. 27, and since re-
ferred to according to the
perfection or imperfection of Fig. 33. hind foot shoe for draft horse.

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 127

the hoofs under consideration, it will be seen that the advan-
tages arising from the plain and simple processes recommended
are, that the free action of the extremities in going with ease is
preserved, by not setting on any more iron than is necessary;
iind that in not removing the frog, the foot rests more evenly
from toe to heel, thus multiplying its points of support and
giving it a stronger and more adherent landing, without lessen-
ing the surface of ground tread nor yet increasing its friction
or fatio-uino: the stride.

It is observable that a horse goes easy or escapes soon being
jaded if the frog receives a certain amount of pressure, as it is
the supporting cushion to the back tendons, also defending the
sensitive sole against many inconvenient bruises, so that if it is
kept at a distance from the ground by high heels or by paring
it away, an inordinate distension of the tendons will happen,
causing relaxations, swellings and soreness, which are occasioned
more by paring the sole and frog than by hard driving or the
distance traveled. Experience has shown that the frog, being
of a soft, flexible substance, by its natural elasticity, yields to the
weight of the horse the instant his foot touches the ground, and
immediately recovers itself again, thus giving a natural expan-
sion to the foot with every step taken. When contracted feet
have to be expanded, the most simple, safe, and at the same
time, ett'ective means of attaining that end is to be found in this
action of the frog. An overgrowth of hoof, that is, high heels
and long toes, displaces the normal balance of the foot and bear-
ings of the joints, and causes contraction, weakness and a curl
under at one or both sides of the heels, forcing the foot bones
upward — twisting the coronet — producing malformation of the
wall and an atrophied condition of the internal parts from de-
fect of nourishment and loss of strength caused by pressure of
the hoof; all of which defections may be entirely averted if the
foot is properly dressed as directed. Or before becoming perma-
nently established, they may be overcome if the foot is leveled

128 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

and balanced so as to restore frog pressure, when the latter
speedily recovers its lost characteristics and, again, in a healthy
condition, gradually and naturally accomplishes one of the very
purposes for which it was put there.

However, there may be cases whereby sudden frog pressure
might occasion soreness for the time being, when it is still hard
and dry, or when a horse has worn shoes for a long time, having
thick, high heels; but by leveling the frog on a line with the
hoof when preparing the foot to its proper bearing angle as di-
rected this disorder is soon remedied.

Proportions of the Hoof. — It is apparent from the anatomy
of the foot that there is a fixed limit beyond which the growth of
the hoof should not proceed, though tliis growth is, in itself, con-
stant or indefinite, enlarging the base of the hoof us it proceeds.
In a natural, unshod state, attrition or wear by the strain of the
animal's mere weight is suiiicient to keep the hoof in such size
and condition that-the balancing of the body is properly distrib-
uted upon the digital regions, thus obviating the impairment
and lameness which result from improper shoeing, as well as the
premature breaking down of horses through the overgrowth
and unbalancino; of their hoofs.

No definite rate can be assigned to the growth of the hoof,
as some develop more rapidly than others and in different parts,
though it is claimed by some writers that it requires a year to
renew a complete wall. The toes of the fore feet and the heels
of the hind feet are relatively the thickest and strongest parts
of the wall, and consequently the growths there are more marked
than at the quarters. In a naturally well-proportioned horse the
ground tread of the fore feet is longer from heel to toe by from
I in. to 1 in. than across the quarters, and in the hind feet from
1^ in. to IJ in.

These is no use in mincing matters for the more one knows
about shoeing, the more he knows that the common mode of

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 129

doing the work is so frequently destructive, that we seldom meet
with a horse whose feet have not in some degree lost their natu-
ral form, and this deviation from their original shape is gener-
ally proportioned to the length of time he has worn shoes. We
may learn from this that the horse in a state of bondage is a
subject fit for our gravest consideration and worthy of every care
and attention that we can bestow. Certainly it is true that this
applies with particular directness to the matter of shoeing, where
extra precaution should be adopted and intelligent observation
maintained, in order to guard against unnecessary punishment,
and secure the best results.

Resetting the Shoes. — It not infrequently happens that
horses go lame from an overgrowth of hoof by allowing the
shoes to remain on too long. A false economy about shoeing
bills on the part of the owner — by persisting in the continuance
of shoes on his horse after they have been outgrown by the
hoof — is wrong and unreasonable, as the infliction of an unnec-
essary punishment. Under ordinary circumstances and condi-
tions of hoof growth the general purpose and draft horse should
have his feet adjusted and shoes reset every four weeks, and on
the track or speed horse, every two weeks to preserve the nec-
essary harmony of action and balance in the foot.

Owing to the fact that the hind feet differ from the front
ones in shape, operation, and mode of growth, a different method
of shoeing should be applied to them. The action of the hind
limbs, as previously outlined, carries the sweep of the feet nearer
the ground, and the lighter force of weight in these parts gives
less fixity to the tread ; hence, it follows, that calks are less ob-
jectionable on the hind shoes, as they tend to keep a horse from
sliding on a descent, and secure the footing by a deeper clutch
on the ground. Calks, however, should be rather flat and the
shoes generally narrower in the web than the front ones (though
stiflf enough to insure substantial form) as a better grip is thus se-

130 SCIENTIFIC HOKSKSHOEING.

cured in the act of springing, and no loss of power sustained in
the extension of the stride. The shoes also should be attached
well back of quarters and heels, as these are the stronger parts
of the wall ; but in all cases, both front and back shoes should
follow the exact marginal line of the wall from toe to heels, and
if any deficiency exists in the length or width of hoof, the shoe
is the thing to supply it with : then if the foot is leveled and
angled ariirht, the shoe is to maintain the levrl by being of uni-
form thickness, and wherever the foot requires to be raised or
lowered let the shoe be thickened or thinned to suit the emer-
gencies of the case.

Comments on the Gait of Speed Horses. — Some inter-
esting comparisons are suggested by the records of the phenom-
enal "time beaters" tabulated on page 118.

Selecting, for an example, the recorded performance of
Nancy Hanks in 1892, when she trotted a mile on a regulation
track in the remarkal)ly quick time of 2 minutes and -4 seconds,
a simple calculation will serve to indicate the rate of speed re-
(|uired for its execution.

The line measure of our standard mile being 1,760 yards or
5,280 feet, it is seen that in dividing the distance traveled by
the time expended (reduced to seconds), we have 5,280 feet by
124 seconds=42^f- feet — or the rate per second traveled by
Nancy Hanks in the foregoing race.

By another process the gait of horses or the length of their
stride will be similarly conveyed. Assuming the stride of the
horse to measure 16 feet, it will require 330 such strides to com-
plete the circuit of a mile. If the stride is a rod long (or 16|-
feet), there will be 320 to the mile; and if 17 feet in length, the
number of strides to the mile will be 310]-^.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC 131

CHAPTER VII.
LAMENESS AND DISEASES OF THE FOOT-

PATHOLOGICAL SHOEING.

We can scarcely overestimate the value of sound legs and
feet in the horse, and having their condition and efficiency for
a subject, it also naturally follows that the pathology of these
organs becomes a special topic for inquiry, for their situation and
uses naturally expose them to a greater liability to injury and
disease than any other portion of the animal organization.

The advantages to be derived from a safe and scientific
mode of shoeing in the treatment of many of the varied troubles
to which the feet and legs of horses are constantly subject, are
attracting more attention among horsemen than formerly, even
as the results to be obtained from such treatment are their own
best proof of the merits of the agency employed, which need
but to be seen and understood to be indorsed by all. It is the
verdict of experience that a rational, approved method of shoe-
ing will not only protect the horse's foot from injurious wear,
and thus prevent the certain damage otherwise ensuing, but act-
ing on the doctrine that " like cures like," it will transmute the
evils that men do into good, through its instrumentality as a
corrective for the manifold crimes committed in its name. This,
in truth, is the legitimate mission of farriery — "preventing, cur-
ing, or mitigating diseases." Veterinary surgery — indispensable
though it be as a healing art — is not competent to deai success-
fully with even the most frequent and familiar of the troubles
that beset or waylay the horse at almost every footstep, though
there are only too many cases in which horses are retired to the
hospital, or unnecessarily subjected to the torture of "fire and

132 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

blister/' while all the fault lies at the bottom of the hoof, in ai>
overgrowth of the wall.

It is of such diseases as have their origin in, or otherwise af-
fect the feet, and w hitli may be relieved (ir <ured by rational
methods of shoeing, that 1 purpose treating under this head.

Tile <litferent character of the diseases as manifested by dis-
organized structures or deformities of the foot and hoof, are
illustrated by tyjiical specimens carefully drawn and selected
from many similar examples w huii I have in my possession — the
collection of years spent in sucli research — which form a com-
plete exhibition of the morbid eftects resulting from neglect,,
abuse, and imjiroper management of the horses foot.

Many foot troubles, when allowed to exist by neglect, or
when improperly treated, are oftentimes obstinate and ditHcult
of cure, or are productive of permanent injury or total disabil-
ity ; others yield readily to a seasonable application of proper
remedies, and may thus be completely overcome and the foot
restored to perfect strength and vigor.

Most generally the nature of the symptoms, as shown on
the joints, tendons or coronet, are directly traceable to an im-
properly shod or unbalanced foot, and the eye trained to recog-
nize such tokens will be quick to note that there are no existing
conditions in the limb that will make it possible for them to find
birth in it, and as ready to know that all there is to be done is
to have a competent farrier straighten the foot, and shoe it ac-
cordingly, to restore the natural conditions and functions of the
locomotory apparatus.

Causation of Diseases. — It is estimated that 75 per cent
of all the diseases that horse-flesh is heir to, are due to the so-
called "necessary evils" of shoeing, and it is found that most
of this long category arises from a disregard of the primary prin-
ciples of establishing a level footing for the horse to go upon.
Hence I iind myself incessantly repeating again and again that

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 133

the first and last object of attention — the source and center of
success in farrierj^ — is to bring the feet to a perfectly level bear-
ing, 80 that they will point straight and true in line with the
limbs, and the action of locomotion will be performed with easy
continuous regularity like the movement of a pendulum. By
keeping this principle steadily in view, I feel assured that I have
done more for the improvement of the strength and perfection
of the horse's foot than could have been done by learning all
the mysteries of the veterinary school. Without it, all the soak-
ing tubs, bandages, liniments, etc., are so much time and money
wasted.

Though the first condition of incipient trouble has thus been
pointed out and evidently proved, the matter does not end here,
for an uneven and unbalanced hoof — high heels or long toes or
inequalities in height of wall, which displace the natural angle
of the foot — is, after all, not difficult to detect when knowing
how and where to look for them, and may easily be regulated by
any one who will attentively consider the principles of adjust-
ment as defined in connection with the use of the instruments,
Chapter IV.

If the heels are allowed to grow too high the greater part'
of the weight is thrown forward upon the toe and bony struct-
ures of the limb, and the bones of the foot are forced forward
against the wall in front. Inflammation of the foot and soreness
in the joints and bones soon follow. If the toes, on the contrary,
are allowed to grow too long, then the excess of weight is thrown
upon the back part of the foot and the flexor tendons become
sore, strained or ruptured. If one heel or quarter is permitted
to grow higher than the other, the high side will receive the first
jar in landing, which bruises the heel on that side and causes
inflammation and corns. The hoofs, therefore, must be pared
or dressed in such a way that the weight of the animal will be
equally distributed upon the ball of the foot between the bones

134 SCIKNTIKIC nORS?]SHOKING.

nnd flexor tendons, in accordance with tlie instructions e^iven
for leveling and balancing the feet, as described in Chap. TV.

The use of toe and heel calks will also produce soreness or
lameness in fast horses ])y their uncertain or unequal contact
with rougli, stony pavements, causing a side rockinii; or tilting
motion in tlie limb, racking the joints of the foot which are not
capable of much lateral motion.

Another cause that is generally overlooked is the attachment
of shoes with an unequal number of nails on either side of its
branches. For example, if four nails are used on the outside
and only three on the inside branch of the shoe, the inner side,
with the least nnmhor of nails ])eing less permanently fixed,
yields to the outside more tirmly seated on the unyielding
shoe, and thus by growth and tension the inner side (with less
nails), is gradually forced in or under the leg, while the outer
Bide (with more nails), is correspondingly carried ontw^ard and
away from its normal center and thus the hoof becomes de-
formed and its movements deranged. Then, by a I'eversal of the
above arrangement, that is to drive four nails on the inner side
of the shoe and only three on the outer, the process will in two
or three shoeings, return the foot to its natural form and straight
position by the same means and in the same manner through
which it had lost them. This demonstrates the necessity of
shoeing according to the principles already defined — having the
nails alike on both sides and set opposite each other, as directed
with Fig. 27.

Locating the Lameness. — Xo horseman or farrier need be
told the effects of splints, sidebones, curbs, spavins or ringbones,
or how they make themselves known by the condition of the
organs to which they extend. Hence I shall not now attempt
to define their symptoms, as they will be succinctly dealt with
hereafter, but confine the present inquiry to a search for more
obscure conditions which may attack the foot, w^hile having their

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 135

location elsewhere, or otherwise appear in remote regions when
the foot itself is at fault.

The nicest observation is sometimes demanded to identify
and locate the causes which produce certain derangements of
the locomotory apparatus, where a horse is said to " go sore," or
exhibits signs of tenderness. Simple or severe lameness, where
the condition of disabled functions is plainly manifested by the-
animal refusing to use an injured leg, or to bear any or an equal
portion of its weight upon a disabled foot, may easily be de-
tected ; but mere tenderness or soreness is more difficult to lo-
cate. Serious results may at times follow from the obscurity
enveloping the early stages of many foot ailments, for in the
absence of early treatment, which a correct diagnosis would have
given, they may easily develop into more complicated maladies
or become transformed into chronic, incurable cases. Hence the
importance of early symptoms, how they betray themselves, and
what rescion or structure is affected.

A little observation on the part of the driver will readily
detect any irregularity or change in the jnovement of his horse,
but just where lies the fault is not so easily determined. If the
horse is trotted slowly down hill and shows more evident signs
of lameness than when going on the level, it is an indication of
high or bruised heels ; again, if more distress is shown in going
up the grade, long toes are the probable cause. Soreness of the
shoulder muscles is also betrayed in a dragging movement of
the toes when going up hill.

In case these preliminaries are not conclusive, lose no time
in turning the horse over to some competent farrier. The next
proceeding is naturally the removal of the horse's shoes to ex-
amine the soles and hoofs all around, for nail pricks or punc-
tured wounds and external injuries or bruises of any kind.
Having closely observed these parts and settled their connection
with any symptoms of lameness, proceed to examine for internal
soreness by using my foot testers (Fig. 195), to compress the

136 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

lower margin of the wall all around, frotn toe to lieel as high as
the nan hoie^. Ji" there is any soreness in this region the horse
will flinch or slirink from the pressure, hut if nothing is mani-
fested in this way continue the same process uj* around the cor-
onet by gripping it between the base of the hoof in the jaws of
the tester, same as before. Then if the cause of the trouble or
its seat still remains in doubt, pursue the investigation to other
reffions of the limb or trunk as recommended for "modification
of action,' I>age 106.

Laminitis, or Founder. — Under this double head is ex-
pressed one of the most insidious of all foot ailments. The
former gives "a local habitation and a name" to the disease as
applied to the laminar tissues, while the other recognizes it more
in eftect as indicating the " sinking " or falling of the foot
structures or the failure of their functional activity as implied
by the word " foundered," by which name the malady is most
familiarly known. Its particular character is an inflammation
of the sensitive laminie, and its general symptoms are so well
manifested by the impairment of the bodily vigor and power of
locomotion, or weakness and stifthess in the limbs, accompanied
with signs of acute pain which the sufl'ering animal attempts to
relieve by disposing his weight on the sound -members, that its
presence is not easily mistaken. It may be confined to a limited
region, or it may involve the entire tissue of one or all four
feet, though the front feet are the ones most affected. Various
causes are assigned as productive of this disease, such as drink-
ing too freely of cold w^ater while overheated, rapid changes
from heat to cold by exposure to cold wind, rain, or washing the
feet and legs in cold water when the animal has been violently
exercised or is exhausted by work, over-exertion and at times
over-feeding of certain grain, especially corn : bad shoeing is
also — here as elsewhere — a prevalent factor by paring out and
weakening the foot, or by applying high heeled shoes, etc.

LAMKiNESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 137

Primary or Passive Stage. — The early stages of this dis-
order may consist only of a simple congestion of the sole tissues,
but as it develops rapidly, if suffered to run its course, the mor-
bid process will involve other regions in its destructive changes,
and severe lameness — extremely difficult of cure — or entire
physical disability will result. The most prompt and efficacious
treatment should therefore be resorted to at the first symptoms
of an oncoming attack, as the conditions are then favorable for
speedy relief, and the disease may be checked or cured in one
or two days' time.

When the evidences of soreness or weakness appear, or the
horse stumbles and shifts his gait by declining to use his feet in
the natural way, have the farrier remove his shoes and pare the
sole of the foot thin, that the resistance of the horn may not
obstruct the after measures, then lightly replace the shoes b^
tacking them on with two nails on each side. Cover the body,
neck and legs warmly with several blankets (strapping them on
closely all around) and place the feet in tubs of warm water —
heated to a good temperature — which should be kept so by re-
placing the water as it cools with a warm supply, as in this
way the return flow of blood will be increased. Warm drinks
are also recommended to stimulate internal circulation, the con-
gestion will be overcome or re-absorbed, and by continuing this
treatment for twenty-four hours, the symptoms will subside and
the normal functions be practically restored without disorgani-
zation.

Acute stage Villitis. — When this form of congestion
spreads or progresses into a more acute stage it is attended with
more evidences of soreness and lameness, evidenced by greater
unwillingness of the animal's movements as well as by the vari-
ous positions which it carefully assumes in attempting to allevi-
ate the distress of weight on the inflamed member. This sec-
ondary or extended stage is known as villitis, because it is prin-

138 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

cipally confined to the villous tissue of the sensitive sole ; but the
point of greatest sensation, is naturally, in the region of the toe,
where the sole and laminal tissues blend into each other; which
increases the vessels of that part, hence the sensitive laminne
may also become congested or intlanied. The treatment for these
acute cases is the same as for the more passive cases above pre-
scribed, and usually the symptoms will pass away or recovery
be accomplished within a com[»aratively short space of time.

Imperfect recoveries, however, naturally impair the secre-
tive powers of the sensitive sole, and thus renders it liable to
after effects, which may be obviated if properly managed.

Chronic or Violent Stage. — True laminitis is the sequel
of the progresnive development or culmination of the acute
stage, when the inflammation becomes general throughout the
laminre and the tendency to injurious changes of the structures
become more marked. When this stage of the disease is reached,
the symptoms are greatly increased and the distress of the animal
correspondingly intensified. The inability to support weight
often causes it to lie down, and constitutional disturbance by loss
of appetite and feverish restlessness are attendant character-
istics of this phase of the disease.

The vital connection which these laminse sustain to the en-
tire animal economy and their situation between the horny hoof
and the bony structures of the foot, necessarily renders any com-
pression or inflammation of them one of peculiar injury and
suffering to the horse. When thus affected they are no longer
able to perform the function of weight bearers, their power of
withstanding the work imposed on them is lessened, and the
pressure upon them gradually weakens and destroys their at-
tachment to the hoof, letting the bones descend upon the sole,
resulting in that condition of helplessness and disability known
as " founder." This indicates that when laminitis becomes
firmly established or deep rooted, various complications are

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

139

inevitable. Other organs
are invaded, the parts af-
fected become useless and
the animal either becomes
an incurable cripple or is
soon relieved by death.

This illustration gives
a correct impression of
the ravages of laminitis,
when its processes con-
tinue to the chronic stage,
whereby the joints, ten-
dons and other structures
of the foot are alike in-
volved and their functions
impaired. The disease
has destroyed the laminal

Fig. 34. median section of a " found-
ered " FOOT, SHOWING THE SEVERE EFFECTS
OP CHRONIC LAMINITIS.

A, Coffin- or pedal-bone. B, Navicular
bone. C, Lower pastern. D, Upper pas-
connections, a forced Sep- ^ern bone. E, Sesamoid. F, Lower end of

cannon bone. G, Horny sole. H, Plantar
cushion. K, Velvety tissue or sensitive
sole. M, Wall, dished or turned up toe.
N, Laminal tissue — the seat of laminitis.
O, Fungous growth. P, Extensor tendon.
R, Flexor perforatus. S, Flexor perforans.

aration of the parts has
turned or dished the hoof,
and depressed the coffin-
bone upon the sole, which
has thus become weak,
thin, and bulged or drop-
ped downward. The space between the bone and hoof being
filled with a fungous deposit resembling honey-comb.

In dressing a foot of the kind shown in Fig. 34, it is first
necessary to foreshorten the toe as much as can be safely done
without injury, by rasping around the front and sides and tak-
ing out the " dish," and restoring the hoof to its natural shape
as far as possible. In feet of this kind, the sole is thin and weak,
hence care must be taken that it is not cut or pared in any
way around the point of the frog. When leveling the wall for

the shoe, commence at the heels and lower both sides as much
10

140

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 85. froxt foot .shoe kou ukopped
soles and for flat, weak soled feet.

A, Bevel on toe from calk to outer rim.

B, Long toe calk set back from front.

as can be safely done, and
this operation must b e
carried forward toward
the quarters. Tu some
cases where the sole is
badly dropped, it will be
found impossible to get
more than two and one
half to three inches level
bearing for the shoe.
When the foot is thus
prepared apply the style
of shoe shown in Fig.
35.

By having the toe
set well back on the shoe,
the center of gravity will
fall more directly under the bearing of the foot and leg
bones, and thus the strain will be partly taken off the weak-
ened laminte. If the foot be too wide at the heels and quar-
ters, clips should be drawn up on both sides of the shoe, opposite
the wings of the coffin-bone, that the hoof may be retained from
further expansion. Clips are not to be used in front; bevel the
front part of the shoe at the toe on the ground surface in order
to prevent the horse from stumbling or tripping, Reset the
shoes every three weeks, by lowering the heels again, and, in
four or five shoeings, the sole will return to its natural concave
form. Do not file or rasp the new growth.

The shoe being nailed solidly at the heels, it will be readily
seen that the front part being released, and an open space inter-
vening between the foot and the shoe, the foot will press down
to meet the shoe at every step w^hich the horse takes forward,
and just in proportion as the foot springs down, the sole will be
returned to its natural cup-like form.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC

141

Fig. 36. side view of hoof showing
the effects of springing the shoe off

THE HEEL.

A, Lower margin of horny frog. B, Side
or quarter of wall. C, Cavity for the cor-
onary cushion. D, Shoe on the hoof.

DROPPED SOLE CAUSED BY BAD SHOEING.

Three views from a single specimen.

The illustrations on
this and the following page
are typical examples of
the condition of a found-
ered foot, or dropped sole
resulting from bad shoe-
ing.

Springing the shoes
off the heels, thereby
breaking down the quar-
ters will cause such effects,
especially in large draft
horses that have low,
broad heels, and Figs. 36
and 37 show an instance
of this kind. It is plain
that such style of shoeing
must prove disastrous in
the extreme, whereas if
the shoe had been fitted so
that the heels would have
corresponded with the
dotted lines F, F, F, F,
Fig. 37, the trouble would
have been avoided. The
excessive width of this
foot as compared with its
length from toe to heel in-
dicates that the quarters
have been broken down,
the heels worn low and

Fig.

BOTTOM VIEW OF SAME HOOF.

A, Cleft of frog. B, Horny frog. C,
Commissures. D, Bars. F, E, F, F, Dotted
lines showing where the shoes ought to have
been fitted to cover the quarters and heels.
E, E, Bulge of heels pressed through shoe
by too wide fitting. G, G, Lower face of
horny sole.

142

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 38. side view ok coffin-bone out of
THE FOOT, Figs. 36 and :>7.

become bruised and
curled under or bulged
below the shoe, and
low heels will produce
a "wheel" foot, such
as shown in Fig. 36.
Fig. 38 shows the coffin-
bone from same foot
much distorted from its original form by the effects of faulty
shoeing, as well as of disease resulting from the same.

Teditis is the term applied to this serious complication of
laminitis, where not only the laminte but the periosteum and
the coffin-bone are also subject to the inflammatory process
which sometimes involves the coffin-joint.

Depression of the coffin-bone is oftentimes accompanied
witli su})puration, where the separation of the reticulum from
tlie bone takes place, and gangrene and superficial caries are
common results.

The destructive effects of this disease upon the internal
structure of the foot are well displayed in this drawing. The
bone has become much distorted from its original form, from
the pressure of the part constantly under weight when the sole
has become dropped; the upper surface has "dished," as it
were, or fallen in, until only one half its original height, while
an immense number of small spines or thorn-like spurs have
grown all over it, and the lower part of the bone has convexed
in an extreme degree, bulging down until it had lost all sem-
blance of its original shape.

In a preceding chapter instructions have been laid down for
the management and shoeing of the feet of draft horses, and
if they are carefully followed the most satisfactory results will
be obtained.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

143

In paring and dressing such a foot as shown here, the oper-
ation must he the reverse of that described in Fig. 34, that is
the height or depth of toe being excessive in this case, it must
be reduced as much as possible, and the heels left intact. The
shoe bearings then, thus obtained, being around the front part
of the shoe, use shoe Fig. 35, but nail around the toe instead of
at the heels. Or it may be necessary to resort to a bar shoe for
restoring the foot, but this will depend on the judgment of the
farrier.

Seedy Toe. — Among
the complicated efiects
of chronic laminitis is
a peculiar dessication
of the hoof commonly-
known as " Seedy Toe."
This condition is well
represented by the ap-
pearance of Fig. 39, in
which is also seen the
evidences of neglect in dressing and leveling the foot. In this
specimen the wall is twice its natural thickness on the side in
view% it will be noticed that it is also scarred and seamed with
rough ridges — due to irregular secretion of horn — while the heel
is abnormally high, the sole being fully li inches too thick, and
the toe turns up from an overgrowth at least two inches too
long. Laminitis does not always involve the whole, of the leafy
tissue — even in the present instance — the morbid process appears
to have destroyed only certain regions, where the leaves take on
a regular honey-combed appearance, while other portions pre-
sent a comparatively sound and healthy structure. But in most
cases it develops rapidly, and if unchecked, continues to spread
until the entire region is involved, with structural changes of
the most serious character.

Fig. 39. specimen of seedy toe.

144

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

For a foot affected in this manner, pare the hoof level and
aa low as possible, rasp the wall thin from coronet to ground
surface, and get the hoof back near as may be to its natural
shape. If there is any tenderness in the sole it must be protected
by using a plain, flat, broad-webbed shoe, well concaved on the
sole-bearing surface, the nail holes to be punched where the foot
is least affected, and the shoes reset every two or three weeks.
It is difficult to describe any particular style of shoe to meet the
emergencies of such cases, and the farrier must judge what is
best. Cold water bandages around the coronet will assist in
keeping the horn moist and allaying fever and pain.

Fig. 40 illustrates
'^ the further ravages

of chronic laminitis,
in which its destruc-
tive effects (coupled
with the mismanage-
ment of the foot) are
perhaps more plainly
discernible. In this
instance the heels
have been allowed to
grow to such an ex-
tent as to raise them
far above their nor-
mal position. The
normal angle of the
heel from the ground
surface to the coronet is the same as the angle of the front part of
the foot from toe to coronet. In proportion, however, as the
toe lengthens, just so much will the angle of the ground surface
of the foot be carried forward, as seen in the above diagram,
which shows the growth at the back of the quarters to be of
unusual height, raising the heels up out of their natural angle,

Fig. 40. another k.x.\mple of seedy toe.

A, A, Angle of hoof as it stands, 34 degrees.
B, B, Line to which surplus growth of front wall
should be removed. C, Cavity for coronary cush-
ion. D, Horny laminie. E, E, Line to which
surplus growth should be removed at base. E, J,
Indicating how much heels will be lowered by
reducing the base of hoof. P, Point to which
cofTin-bone was wasted. G, Normal extent of
coffin-bone. H, Line indicating front angle of
coffin-bone to be 75 degrees (should be 50). I, G,
Line to which coffin-bone will conform when
hoof is reduced as directed.

LAMP]NESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

145

and, as the heels are raised up, just so much the heels of the

coffin-bone are elevated, and the point of the bone is pressed

forward against the front part of the foot, preventing the action

of the secretive powers, bringing on inflammation, burning and

scalding, and destroying the life of the foot, causing what is

called seedy toe. In shoeing a foot of this description, great

care must be taken that none of the sole be removed around the

point of the frog. Remove the surplus growth from quarters to

heel as shown by line, E, E. By removing surplus growth the

heels will be lowered

as shown from E to

J, and the pressure

will be relieved on

point of coffin-bone.

Remove the surplus

growth in front to Fig. 41. the same hoop with one side prop-

thp line R P after ^^^^ pared and straightened, as indicated by

' ' _ dotted lines in fig. 40.
which the foot will

r. 1 1 •, A, Effects of disease on hornv laminye. B, B,

be placed upon its ^ ' , , ^ .. ' i ^ \

^ ^ Correct angle of toe after removal of surplus

natural angle of 46 growth as shown— 46 degrees. C, Cavity for cor-
onary cushion. D, Horny laminte. E, Surplus

growth to be removed on the opposite side. P,
Elevation of toe of hoof above shoe, to obviate
pressure.

degrees. Compare
this foot with Fig.
41. As the sole will
be quite tender and sore at the point of the frog, the shoe must
be well concaved around the front. Use shoe shown in Fig. 35.
Rivet leather at the heels, letting it extend all over the shoe.
Take fat pickled pork out of the brine, and cutting in slices, cover
the bottom of the foot well, and then nail on the shoe slightly.
Afterward stand the horse in a soaking tub of warm water for
three or four hours. This will melt the pork, and thus assist in
speedily removing the soreness. Bear in mind to keep the
pressure off around the point and sides of toe, and thus give
great freedom to the diseased parts. Keep the soaking swabs
around the coronet wet with warm water. Reset the shoes every

146

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

two or three weeks in order to check or keep down the under-
growth of heels and quarters.

I have often taken feet when the coffin-hone had worn
through the sole at its point, and by the above treatment have
restored them to their normal ooiiditioti. and they have ever

afterward remained sound.

The efi'ects of chronic

cases of founder or laminitis
upon the foot are seen in Fig.
42 ; and not only the foot,
but every tendon, joint and
bone from the knee to the foot
is seriously etfected. These
evils can be reasonably attrib-
uted to the want of skillful
knowledge of horseshoeing and
of the management of the
hoof

In paring a foot of this
kind, follow the instructions
laid down for paring the flat
foot ; always bearing in mind
the necessitv of ^ettine: and
keeping the foot in its natural
position. Use shoe described
in Fig. 35.

When describing the lateral cartilages in the chapter on
" The Foot of the Horse," a brief reference was made to certain
derangements of their natural structure by process of inflamma-
tion, through which they lose their soft elastic qualities and are
changed into bone. Fig. 43 represents a typical case of
the disease mentioned, which is often met with in prac-
tice, especially in heavy draft horses, though speed and saddle
horses and also w^ell-bred carriage horses, are not exempt from

Fig. 42. dished foot and ukopi'ed

SOLE.

A, A, Line to which Piirphis prowth
at toe is to be removed. B, B, Ground
line to which surplus growth is to be
reduced from heel to quarter.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

147

Fig. 43. coffin-bone with supplemental at-
tachment OF SIDE BONE OR OSSIFIED LATERAL
CARTILAGE.

A, Body of coffin-bone. B, Lower margin of
its wing. C, Side bone or ossified cartilage sur-
mounting the wing.

its attacks, and in
some instances it is
hereditary.

There are num-
bers of conditions
which may be the
exciting cause of this
bony formation ; va-
rious diseases of the
foot may occasionally
involve the connec-
tive tissues, such as
ulcered heels a_nd
laminitis ; but con-
traction, violent concussion or injuries, and over distension by
weight, bad shoeing and unlevel feet are the prevailing causes
of ossific development. The present example is to be classed
with others resulting
from bad shoeing,
and is the outcome
of the next morbid
specimen, here intro-
duced as a dismal
relic of perverted
appliances.

In this case, the
distorted condition
of the hoof — the
twisted heel and cor-
rugated coronet — the
diseased appearance

of the laminse, and the disorganized character of the whole

structure generally, are the consistent jiroduct of one common

actor, namely, an uneven ground-bearing of the foot. To still

Fig. 44. view of the hoop (of right front
foot) in which the bone (pig. 40) WAS imbedded

AS INDICATED, BY THE DISTORTION OF THE OUTSIDE
HEEL.

148

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

further illustrate and explain the subject, T insert here two op-
posing views of the bones of the front foot and leg in order to
establish a comparison between the normal and abnormal posi-
tion of which they are the representations.

Fig. 45. normal position, front view.

E, E, Vertical line through axis of
joints. A, Cannon-bone. B, Upper
pastern. C, Lower pastern. D, Cof-
fin-bone. F, F, Inner and outer
splints. G, G, G, Lower row of knee
bones. H, H, Upper row.

The knees and hocks are formed of
several small bones placed in two
rows, articulating with the larger bones
above and below, as shown and de-
scribed in skeleton, Fig. 2.

Fig. 46. abnormal position, back

VIEW.

A, B, Level to which the foot should
conform. C, Vertical line locating
center of axis and indicating the dis-
placement caused by unlevel base
of foot throwing the weight on the
outside heel. D, CotEn-bone. E,
Navicular. P, Lower pastern. G,
L'pper pastern. H, H, Sesamoids.
I, Cannon-bone. J, J, Splints (fhe
highest one diseased). K, Morbid
enlargement of upper pastern. L, L»
Side bones or ossified cartilages.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 149

The parallel of these views is self evident, and but little is to
said in addition to my former observations on leveling and bal-
ancing the foot. When the bones and joints are in their natural
relations, as shown in Fig. 45, the precision and accuracy of their
functional activity is assured. The weight is carried through
the normal centers of the limbs, the foot rests naturally, with
every part of the apparatus sustaining its proper share of the
burden, and when springing from the ground it is in direct line
with the median plane of the body, and its movement forward
and back is as regular as the swing of a pendulum. But when
the ground-bearing of the hoof is uneven, as show^n in Fig. 46,
the incidence of the muscles is misdirected, the bones and their
articulations are displaced from the extremity of the limb to its
union with the trunk, and derangement of the entire structure
is the inevitable result. To simplify the matter by a further de-
scription of Fig. 46, it is seen that the base of the foot is not
level w^ith the line below-, and that this deflects the bony column
out of the perpendicular. Assuming the width of the hoof to
be four inches, and the distance from the base to the knee to be
twenty inches, any unevenness, starting at one side or the other of
the base, increases in the ratio of five to one ; thus, a displacement
of one-fourth of an inch at the bottom of the foot, wall amount
to a displacement of one and one-quarter inches at the knee. Im-
proper paring of the hoof is of too frequent occurrence, and this
illustration is only one of the many serious results following
from a disregard of the first principles of shoeing. Impaired
nutrition, diminished and obstructed secretion, abnormal growths
and structural changes are always associated with it. It is im-
possible for a horse to spring from the ground or land on it in
a line w^ith the movements of his body unless his feet are straight
in that direction and level in their bearings, and from a neglect
in these regards or want of precaution to secure them, arise
many maladies of joints, bones, tendons, cartilages, laminae, and
other structures of the feet and legs.

150

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

The structural change of cartilage
into bone arises from a deposit of lime
salts, and may be of rapid or slow-
growth. The usual symptoms are
manifested bv the presence of fever-
hc-at around the affected part, attended
by more or less soreness, stiffness or
larneness, and as the change advances
it will be apparent by enlargement and
by a sense of hardness to tlie touch.
This illustration indicates the ij^eneral
appearance of a foot in this condition.
When thus invaded the tendency is to

increase, and no permanent cure can
Fig. 47. outside api>eak- ' '■

ANCE OF SIDE BONES wiiKN bc cffccted as tlic cartilasfc tissue can

DEVELOPED.

not be restored ; but in the early stages

A, Enlargement of carti- of the disorder the calcification may
lage transformed into bone. , ., t ^^ ^^ ■ ^ ■ i

B, Its efTect shown by bulge ^^ arrested and the thickening re-ab-

of wall at heel. C, C, Ab- sorbed by the application of a sweat

normal height of heels. , ,. , m. • 4.-

^ -^ , . ^ r J u blister. ihere are manv variations
D, Extension of side bone

over pastern. E, Prolonga- of side bones, but the front feet are

tion of side bone over the ^^^^^ y^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^-^^ ^^^^ ^j^^^ jf

quarter.

both cartilages on the same foot are

attacked at the same time, it is noticeable that they are less liable

to cause lameness than if but one side is affected.

My drawings are samples of the development of side bones
on one side of the foot as a consequence of one heel of the hoof
beine: higher or longer — from coronet to base — than the other
which is provocative of such malformation.

Where shoeing can be altogether dispensed with it will be
better for the natural relief of side bones than otherwise, but
where shoes are necessary they must be made to suit the condi-
tions of the foot and the nature of the work to be performed.

In all cases, however, when dressing the foot, follow the di-

LAMEiNESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

151

rections given for the perfect foot, Fig. 23. This will equalize
the bearings throughout, then, if the conditions are favorable
for natural frog pressure, use flat, thin heeled shoes. If only
one side bone exists, use the three-quarter shoe. Fig. 59, but if
both sides are alike involved, it is better to insert a simple tip
around the toe — the object being to place both shoe and nails
to the best advantage, that all avoidable pressure may be removed
from the diseased region. Reset the shoes at frequent enough
intervals to keep the foot true to its natural balance.

Fig. 48. The lamina!
leaves of the horse's foot
are, as already men-
tioned, peculiarly sus-
ceptible to ■ the influ-
ences of disease, con-
cussion, injurious burn-
ing, compression, etc.
The present subject is
a characteristic example
of the evils last named.
Spurs of the horny
laminoe arise from ex-
ternal compression up- a, Spur of horny laminje, produced by clip
on toe of the wall, and '^^ shoe.

appear upon its inner surface in the form of a hard, callosity of
varying thickness and length. In the above figure the growth
has extended the full length of the leaves, imbedding itself
against the coflin-bone, which has wasted away as this extra-
neous growth proceeded. Fig. 49 is a view of the lower
face of same hoof and completes the story of the case. It shows
a severely contracted quarter and heel on one side, and a large
surplus growth around the front of the other, and all over its
surface are the visible signs of hot fitting and bad shoeing. The
bars and frog have been pared away and the strength of the

Fig. 48. hoof of draft hoese, indicating
the destructive effects of hot fitting and
clipping.

ir>2

SCIENTIFIC HORSESIIOEIXG.

foot (lostroyod, together with
its balance. In a natural foot
tlu' frog is the right dividing
line from heel to toe, but in
this case the narrow or con-
tracted side was forced to ac-
cept two-thirds of the whole
weight, as indicated by its rela-
tive proportions.

From obstruction to its
secretions, the sole was deprived
of its elastic properties, and
the entire hoof was similarly

exhausted and reduced to a
Fig. 49. bottom op same hoof, as in
FiQ. 48, SHOWING CONTRACTION FKoM ^i^rd, dry couditiou through-

QUARTER TO HEEL ON ONE SIDE, AND AN Qut.

OVERGROWTH FROM QUARTER TO TOE ON ^ .. „. ^„ ,

Compare with riij, 2-3 and

THE OTHER. I ^

remove the surplus growth of
the full side and suftply any lack of ground tread on the con-
tracted side by carrvino- tbe web of the shoe wide enough to

cover out the de-
ficiency.

Figs. 50 and 51
will serve to still
further illustrate the
K tendency of hot fit-
ting and clipping to
Fig. 50. median section of hoob showing further ^y^j.]^ destructively

EFFECTS OF HOT FITTING AND CLIPPING.

. ^ . , ,• T» T f +vo„^ upon inner struct-

A, Cavity for coronary cushion. B, Leafy tissue r

of horny laminiB. C, Side of internal fissure. D, ures of the foot.
Section of bulb of plantar cushion. E, Section of Clipping is not

horjiy sole at margin of coffin-bone. P, Section of Fr & '

horny sole at point of frog. G, Section of horny injurious if properly
frog. H, H, Section of spur of horny lamime. I, ^i^^^q Skillful far-
Fungous deposit at toe. J, Section of wall at toe.
K, K, Height ot wall at toe, angle 45 degrees. riers can resort tO

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

153

this expedient for a lifetime with-
out injury to the foot ; but in the
hands of ignorant men, a horse
shod by this method is subject to
certain injury. In general I do
not hesitate to say from practical
experience that I believe hot fit-
ting and clipping injurious if the
feet have lost their proper angle.
In the endeavor to accommodate
shoes that are too short for the
feet for which they are intended,
isrnorant and unskilled farriers
often cut out the front of the foot

f F

Fig. 51. upper face of coffin-
bone, SHOWING EFFECTS OP HOT
FITTING AND CLIPPING.

A, A, Extensions or wings of
heels. B, Eminence on which isin-
serted the extensor tendon. C, C,
until they draw blood, then burn lateral faces. D, Groove worn

in the clip so as to stop the flow by spur. E, Depth to which this

r T 1 ^ ^ xi ii groove sometimes cxtcnds. F, F,

oi blood, and worse than a , ^^ . . , • u ♦v, v, u\a

' ' Margin to which the bone should

hammer the clip back into the conform. G, G, Articular surface

r. , of coffin-joint.

The result of such malpractice is to cause the heat to pene-
trate into the sensitive parts, dry up the secreting nourishment
and cause an unnatural compression against the insensitive
laminfe at their union with the sensitive laminae around the
lower margin of the toe. Fever sets in, drying up and destroy-
ing the parts under compression, and the formation of a de-
cayed, pithy, horny substance is the result.

But in addition to clips, there are many other spur-produc-
ing causes, which for want of space can not be defined in the
present work. Mere mention, however, may be made of a few
that have come under my notice, such as the driving of large,
thick-bladed nails into thin shells. This, it is true, may not
lay up the horse, but the spur which will result will make him

154 SCIENTIFIC HOKSKSHOEINC;.

tender footed, luul if not at once remedied, tlif troiiMe will in
time become aggravated. In a word, any improper maiiage-
ment of the foot tending to produce an nnnatnral compression
of the insensitive and sensitive himiii:e, tliereby destroying or
preventing the action of the secretive powers, will cause the
formation of a spur, large or small, w iruli, if not attended to,
will in the eiul (h-velop to the great injury of the foot and the
horse. 1 have in my po.ssession many specimens of hoofs in
whicli sjiurs arc present, and an examination of them will show
conclusively the cause of the spur in each case.

diagnosis for sj)ur in the toe, and its causes, will sliow the
liorse to be restless on his front feet, stretching or pointing iirst
one foot forward, then the other, and this action alwavs in-
dicates trouble of some kind in tlie front part or toe of the
foot. If a ilecayed, pithy, horny substance, as shown in Figs.
48 and 50, be found, it should be probed and cut out as deeply
as safety will admit, being careful not to draw blood. Fill the
cavity with my foot salve, prescribed in the latter part of this
book. Finally apply a shoe suitable for flat feet, care being
taken to keep the pressure off the toe, as elsewliere shown. If
for a draught horse, use shoe. Fig. 35. T)re.ss the foot to make
it conform as near as possible to Fig. 23, and follow the direc-
tions given for that purpose. It will be found impossible to
straighten the foot at once, as the new growth proceeds slowly
from the coronet. File or rasp the outside crust in front from
coronet to ground surface, as that will tend to release the in-
ternal structures from pressure. Apply hot-water bandages
around the coronet, for the purpose of stimulating a new
o;rowth.

Contraction is almost always the result of improper shoeing
and mismanagement of the foot, primarily due to overgrowth of
the hoof at toe and heels. At times the shoes remain on too

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

155

Fig. 5i'. cuxtkacted hoof.

long and the growth of
hoof becomes excessive,
or the horse may be al-
lowed to stand in his stall
in hot dry weather with-
out suificient exercise,
whereby his feet become
dry, hard and feverish,
A, Spur of frog forced above level of coro- and such conditions are

nary band. B, B, Bars forced above level exciting causes of contrac-
of coronary band. C, C, Abnormal height ^

of heel from coronet to ground surface. tion, and horses thus af-

fected are also more apt
to stumble and cut themselves than would otherwise be the case.
Fig. 52 shows a contracted hoof pro-
duced by an abnormally high wall. The
appearance of the same hoof on its ground
surface is represented in Fig. 53. The
base of the hoof had wired together un-
til the bars and spur of frog were raised
above the level of the coronary band,
against which the coffin-bone was also
compressed by being forced upward, im-
peding or altogether stopping the func-
tional activity of the vascular tissues, and
causing a calcareous deposit or bony
formation around the coronary cushion, p,^^ gg
producing stiffness in the foot joints. By
the contraction across the quarters, the
foot was relatively elongated, the heels

LOWER FACE OF
SAME HOOF.

A, A, A, A, Abnormal
height of heels from coro-
net to base. B, DifTerence

narrowing and closing the commissures in height of heel at coro-

.,T <Li J? 1 1 • 1 • net. F, F, Contracted

with an overgrowth or sole, and pinching

across quarters. C, Con-
the frog, as it were in a vise, between the tracted cleft. D, D, Con-

bars, destroying all the expansive powers ^Ji^^^if^^ ^f^\ f ^'•«g-
' .; o r -^ _ E, E, Contracted quarter

of the foot. Contraction may be easily at base.
11

ir,r,

SCIEXTIFIC HUKSESHOEING.

avoided or overcome bj proper care of the feet and rii,'-ht metli-
ods of shoeing. The main feature is to keep the feet as near as
possible to their natural shaitc, and tliis can only be done by
leveling and balancing them as directed in Chaj*. IV.

The com Jill ca-
tions brouo^ht about
by i'ontraction in-
clude not only the
effects visible on the
external parts of the
lioof, as shown in
the preceding Figs.
52 and ')3, but its
tendency is to work
many destructive
changes in the ap-
paratuses of the in-
ternal foot, as is
here partially indi-
cated by Fig. 54,
which represents
the displacement of
the bony structures
from such cause.

Fig. 54. median section of foot, .showing dis-
placement CAUSED HV CONTKACTIOX.

A, Coffin-bone. B, Navicular. C, Lower pastern.
D, Upper pastern. E, Lower end of cannon. F, Sec-
tion of velvety tissue. G, Section of wall. H,Sec- ^yj^gj^^y^g^^^f^^j^.
tion of horny sole. I, Section of horny frog.

K, Fragment of pl:intar cushion. L, Horny lamincc. tracts and wires
M, Sensitive laminit». N, N, Extensor tendon. |2nder around the
O, O, Flexor perforatus. P, P, Flexor perforans.

R, Sesamoid ligament. S, Sesamoid bone (dotted base, the SOle and
line). T, T, Branching of flexor perforatus. 1, Pyr- froff are forced U1)-
amid of coffin-bone displaced. 2, Its normal posi-
tion. 3, Normal position of coffin-joint. ward, together With

the bones and other
organs of the foot, until they are all tightly cramped by the
closing in of the horny box. The unnatural pressure around
the sole inflames the various tissues, causing a disease of the

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 157

sensitive sole, called villitis, which may diffuse itself to the lam-
inse, producing laminitis ; and this progressing may involve the
coronary cushion in a process of hardening and thickening which
may terminate in coronitis — an ossification of this organ (simi-
lar to that of the lateral cartilages when side bones are forming),
which maybe plainly felt when examination is made around the
coronet at the quarters. No definite rule can be given for shoe-
ing that would cover all cases of contraction ; the farrier must
be governed by his understanding of the case confronting him.
Good judgment will direct that the hoof must be reduced and
pared low as necessary to bring it to a good level bearing, as per
Fig. 23, foreshortening the toe within the limits of safety. If
the frog is hard and dry, pare it level with the wall and open
up the commissures along the sides of frog and remove the horny
sole to its union with the wall by thinning it until serum
exudes, as this will give freedom to the action of the frog. Also
if the heels are curled under (like an in-growing toe nail) open
them up as deep as can be safely done, and in thus giving ex-
pansion to the bottom of the hoof, it will relax at the top and
allow the necessary freedom at the coronet for the structures to
assume their normal relations. After dressing the foot, apply
the raised split-bar shoe, Fig. 154, as this will assist in expanding
the hoof. Eivet a good solid piece of leather at the heels of
the shoe to cover the bottom of the foot, then fill the bottom of
the foot with a warm application of my foot salve, covering the
same with an overlay of cotton or oakum, then nail on the shoe
and leather pad and keep pressure off' around the front part of
the toe. After shoeing let the horse stand with both front feet
in tubs of warm water (to fully cover the feet eight or ten inches)
for two hours a day until soreness disappears. Reset the shoes
every two weeks, pare the growth oft" the base of the hoof and
keep the sole thin so as to allow it to spring under the weight of
the body ; at the same time have the feet washed around the cor-
onet daily with warm water and castile soap (as described in

158

SCIENTIFIC nORSF:SHOEING.

prescription No. 1). iiiid the horse may be worked right along

without hindrauce.

This specimen rep-
resents the efiects of
contraction liy liaving
the wall grow too decj),
the heels wiring: in un-
til they came together,
from coronet to ground
surface, and the foot
was hardly more than
half its natural diame-
ter. The heels over-

la})ping each other had
Fig, 55. Mule's hook .eiHOwiNG effects ok i i i v

ovERr.RdWTii PRoorciNG ( oNTR.vcTioN , erowclecl tiie bars, trog

A, A, Liiu' to which overprowth should bt- and inner Spur up above

removed at base. 55° indicates the present angle the COronarv band As
of hoof. 45° indicates the angle to which it

will conform when surplus growth, B, is re- the crowding of the

"i<^^'«^d. ]jars thus necessitated

a displacement of the internal structure, the coffin-bone was
raised behind, the weight presses it forward against the laminae.
The laminae in this part being
overtasked, soreness and finally
lameness ensues.

In many instances the mule
is treated for lameness or strains,
when the proper remedy was to
have had his feet properly dressed
and suitably shod. Do not per-
mit the heels to s^row to an ex-
treme height, pare them down as
much as can be safely done.

In shoeing a foot of this
description, open the heels and Fig. 56. mule shoe.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

159

weaken them at both sides of the commissures, as thin as safety
will permit ; keep pressure off the toe. In shoeing for drafting
purposes, toe and heel calkins will be required. In such cases,
have them low, and of the same height, that the foot may be
l^ept as close to the ground as possible, and the animal will
travel with more ease and safety. Let the shoes be adjusted in
a manner so as to fit the wall ; and to avoid the possibility of
cramping the foot, use small nails, with the nail holes straight
punched and driving so as to take a low, short, thick hold. Re-
set the shoes every three or four weeks.

The horse's hoof, as described
in Chap. Ill, is so constructed that
any exertion may be best carried
on by a given elasticity from the
center of the toe, as the fulcrum
of a reciprocating motion or
spring around each side to the
heels. Should the natural con-
ditions of the foot be altered,
however, by being deprived of
sufficient moisture to preserve in
it that degree of combined tough-
ness and flexibility, the foot loses
its power to yield to pressure and
return, and when force sufficient
to overcome its resistance is ex-
erted, the hoof, no longer capable of springing to it, suddenly
gives way by splitting.

This breakage occurs wherever the strain is the greatest —
at either of the sides from the quarters to the heel, or directly
through the middle of the hoof in front.

The condition generally present, then, in the splitting of
the horny hoof, is a hard, dry, brittleness, and this may arise in

Fig. 57. front view of the hoof
properly dressed for toe crack.

160 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

a variety of causes. Hot fitting and c'li[»ping, as well as high
toes and heels on shoes which prevent the frog from coming in
contact with the ground, high heels on foot or shoe, flat feet and
long toes on draft horses, and the paring away of the frog, sole,
bars and heel, whereby the foot becomes contracted, are pro-
lific sources for bringing the hoof into the above-mentioned
state.

Any horse whose feet are thus placed is exposed to fracture
either on their anterior or lateral surfaces. AVitli these condi-
tions toe crack is ]»roduccd by the foot acquiring an uneven
ground surface, and being thrown into an unnatural or forced
position. If the heel of the foot, through ignorance or neglect,
is sufi'ered to grow to an unusual height, the pressure and thrust
of the coflin-bone against the front wall will almost surely result
in fracturing it in that region. A peculiar accident to which
horses are sometimes liable, will also produce the same result.
When a horse, being shod with heel calkins, overreaches him-
self, that is, treads on his lioof with another foot, and bruises
the coronet or crust, the crease thus made oftentimes extends
itself until the crust is split from the coronet to the ground
surface.

Toe cracks most generally attack the feet of heavy draft
horses, doubtless owing to the coarse method of applying their
shoes, as well as a greater stress being placed upon their toes
than upon those of other horses in the exertions of drawing
heavy loads.

In treating this disease, the first care must be to thoroughly
cleanse the foot, after which the crack must be pared out
smoothly on either side, as deep as the horny substance extends,
thus widening the crevice so as to prevent all friction between
the separated parts of the wall. Pressure must be taken en-
tirely off the toe, and a groove, as in the accompanying figure,
should be cut into the bottom of the crust at the toe.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

161

Having done this, if the foot be contracted at the heel,
pare it to a level. The toe of the foot is then in turn to be
shortened and the heel weakened by paring out the commissures
between the bars and frog as much as, in the judgment of the
farrier, the foot can safely bear. The pattern of shoe represented
by Fig. 35 should be used upon the horses intended for draft
purposes, the nails being placed from the front of the quarters
back toward the heel. Clips should be used upon each side
of the toe of the shoe, so that when placed upon the foot on each
side of the fracture, they will prevent the foot from further ex-
pansion, by keeping the pressure off from the toe, as shown in
Fig. 57. The toe calkin being placed well back from the
toe, lightens the stress at the point where the greatest weakness
exists, and allows of an easier play to the foot when in motion.
When the split occurs in the foot of a general business horse,
lower the heel and shorten the toe, as much as safety will
permit, and thin the heel of the shoe to obtain strong frog
pressure^ removing the
pressure around the toe of
the foot as before directed.

Quarter Cracks. —
Quarter cracks are longi-
tudinal fissures in the
hoof, occurring near the
heels. They are gener-
ally occasioned by im-
proper shoeing, or neglect
of the foot ; or by allow-
ino- the horse to stand on

^IIIIIIIIIHIimiJUIHHIlftj

Fig. 58. a side view of the foot, with

CRACK opposite THE WIXGS OP THE COFFIN-
BONE (A), PROPERLY DRESSED AND THE SHOE
ADJUSTED, THE TOE BEING ROLLED OR BEV-
ELED, AND THE HEEL PROPERLY CUT FOR THE

hard floors for a length of bearings at the quarter.
time, or in the overgrowth of the crust ; or when the frog, sole and
bars have been pared away, and the heels weakened ; also by
burning the foot in shoeing, or springing the shoe off at the heel,

162

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING.

and throwing the weight
of the horse upon the
wings of the cothn-bone
— the hoof becoming dry
and brittle — are some of
the causes which produce
a disposition in the lioof
to contract, \vhich, oc-
curring at a time when it
is drv and inflexible, re-
suits in its lesion or split-
ting. In speedy horses,
where the heels are al-
lowed to grow too high,
Fig. 59. a hoof properly shod for thk ^^^^ ^^^^^ {oo^ms:, its elastic

CURE OK A QUARTER CRACK, THE SHOE BEINC; '^

AVELL nEVELEl) AT THE TOE, AND CUT OFF IN tOUghueSS, Uud boCOmiug

THE RKANCH, FORWARD OF THE .-EAT OF L.M«E- |,.^,.,| ^^^^ thickcUed, thcre
NESS AT A.

is liability, bv the re-
peated jar of alighting on his heels in violent action, to burst
in the quarters — the break occurring where the stress falls heav-
iest, back of the heel, or at either or on both sides.

In ])aring a foot of this kind, reduce the wall (especially at
the heels), as much as the safety of the foot will permit. The
next object is to remove the contractile disposition in the hoof,
by rasping it at the quarters until an appearance of serum, after
which open both sides of the crack with a drawing knife, so
that friction of the fractured parts may be avoided. Then rasp
or cut out the bottom of the crack so that no part of it may
bear upon the shoe. After the wall has been lowered, should
the frog project below the bottom of the foot, pare it flat. By
so doing, the frog will be aided in growing wider, and assist
the foot in expanding. When the cracks occur well back at the
heels, I sometimes find it necessary to protect the weak parts
from the violence of concussion by applying a bar shoe. Com-

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 163

mence thinning the shoe at the center of the quarters, and carry-
ing it off' both toward the heels and toe, having the shoe light
and the bar good and wide, to obtain strong frog pressure.
When the cracks occur opposite the wings of the coffin-bone,
level the foot and shorten the toe as much as can be conveniently
done. If the crack occurs on one side only, use the shoe shown
by Figs. 58 and 59, allowing for strong frog pressure. If cracks
happen on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip. File or rasp
the wall on both sides of the crack, from coronet to the ground
surface, as thin as safety will permit. If toe and heel calkins
are required, apply a four-calkin shoe, well rolled on the ground
surface. If the foot be sore and tender, my foot salve may be
used with advantage, by warming and saturating with it a
pledget of cotton, and applying it to the affected parts, securing
same with a bandage. A new growth of horn may also be
stimulated by keeping the hoof • moist with cold-water bandages
around the coronet. Remove the shoes everv three weeks, in
order to prevent an excessive growth of horn. By following
these instructions, this form of disease may be easily cured and
the horse regularly worked.

Corns. — There are several forms in which these trouble-
some growths manifest themselves, though their cause and loca-
tion are generally the same.

The seat of corns is always in the sole of the foot, or its
lower connection with the wall and generally in the posterior
portion of the hoof, at or in the angle made by the wall in its
return to form the bars.

Fig, 60, on the following page, shows, however, that corns
do not always come in the heels. The letters. A, A, show three
hard, callous corns bulging up in the inner sole, at point of frog,
producing tenderness and lameness around the toe.

The primary cause of all corns in the horse's foot is an un-
even ground surface, resulting either from the improper level-

164

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

insf of the foot bv the furrier or its

previous iiegleet. Let the foot always

be pared level, and the shoe properly

adjusted to the wall, and corns will

;i ii^^^^ jjB^^^^L\'\l ^"*^ "*^ abidino; ])laee in feet possessed
\\m k^^^^^MyMl. ol' these conditions.

To determine where the seat of
\S|I' . J^' a . ! V ^'^'Pr lameness is, take my foot testers (Fig.

195), and clasp around the union of sole

and wall. If the horse does not flinch
Fig. 60. inside view of ... ^i j> ^ ^ • ^ /.

HOOF, SHOWING KFKECTS OF ^^ ^^'1^^' .^'''\^P ^^'^ ^^^^ at pOlUt of

DHoppED SOLE AND HARD fi'og. If hc v iclds to the prcssurc, thiu

the sole at that point. On close ex-

A, A Seat of hard callous ^^^^-^^^^-^q,, ^jH fi^^ ^ hard, callous

corn. B, B, Coronary band. •'

C, Dotted line from coronet substance, somewhat resembling the

to ground surface at toe, j_,.^j,j ^.^^j,,^ ^^,j ^j,^ human foot. Pare
showing shallow wall due to

wasting away of toe from hot the sole at this point quite thin, so as

fitting an.l clipping. D, D, ^^^ .^\\^^y^y \^ to spring when the horse is
Internal fissures. E, Kidge

of internal spur. F, Front bearing his weight on the foot; this

face of wall. -^vill give relief at once. Apply shoe.

Fig. 35, to the foot, and punch nail holes in shoe to meet the
conditions of the foot. It may be advisable to poultice the bot-
tom until soreness is removed.

Hard corns are protuberances growing upon the inner sole,
at its junction with the horny laminae, and lie beneath, as well
as at the side and rear of the foot bone. They consist of a
hardened excrescence of the skin, which crowds in upon the
sensitive surfaces, and thus become the source of much trouble
and pain. The corn may be generated by severe contusions upon
the inner sole, but it generally arises from a lateral compression
of th.e horny hoof inward upon the sensitive parts.

The vertical pressure of the horse's weight upon the foot
bone is oftentimes so severe, and its winged extremities are
pressed down upon the underlying tissues of the sensitive sole

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 165

SO suddenly and forcibly as to bruise them against the horny sole
or shoe without. The bruise thus established develops the wet
or sappy corn, which consists of an efiusion of blood or serum
into the pores of the horn, marking its location by leaving a
stain upon the outer sole. When the stain appears dark, and is
easily removed by paring away, the corn is old and working out,
but when the stain appears bright and ruddy, by penetrating
further into the horn, the corn is new and needs attention.
These corns may be aggravated by additional injury, and ter-
minate in a more serious form, known as the suppurative, in
which case the sensitiveness will be greatly increased, causing
intense pain, and, as a necessary consequence, acute lameness, or
finally resulting in laying the foundation for a quittor.

In preparing the foot for the shoe, if the horn should ex-
hibit signs of moisture or discoloration, caused by the exudation
of a sappy or wet corn, open the center of the part indicated,
and gradually remove the sole, until the foreign matter is re-
leased. The foot must next be dressed down until it acquires a
perfectly level basis. For draft horses, let the toe be shortened
and the heels lowered; apply a shoe with toe and heel calkins,
the toe calkin to be set well back from the front of the shoe, as
seen in Fig. 35, and relieve the pressure at the heels. For horses
of general business and road purposes, pare the foot as low down
as safety will admit, shorten the toe, and cut the shoe off* on the
side in front of the corn, as seen in Figs. 58 and 59 ; but if the
corn be established on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip,^
in order that the shoe may not come as far back as the affected
parts. In some cases it maybe advisable to use a four-calkin or
bar shoe, as determined by the judgment of the farrier.

Navicular Disease. — The navicular bone, from its position
in the center of the foot, and the important protection which it
receives from the surrounding surfaces, is seldom visited by dis-
ease or disturbed by accident. It is protected at either end by

166

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING.

the wall and wiuo^sand
cartilages of the coffin-
bone and on its upper
face by the lower pas-
torn bone, and beneath,
where lies the e^reatest
[)0ssibility of accident,
it is guarded by tbe
tlexor perforans, the
]ilantar cushion and
Fig. 61. hoof, siiowinc. the exteknal char- horn\' frog. (See Fi^.

ACTER OF NAVI<l'I,.\K DISEASE.

A, A, Base or ground line over the center of
the quarters. B, B, I'pper edge of the coronet.
C, C, Falling in of the hoof opposite the seat
of disease. The white line across the houf indi-
cates the superfluous growth of the hoof, and
the extent to which it should be reduced.

5. and read the anatomy
of the i)arts mentioned.)
In this disease the
flexor perforans be-
comes ulcerated where

it slides over the under
face of the navicular bone (at times involving the sesamoid
sheath in the process), and the severe pain experienced is from
its play over the rough, diseased portion of that bone. This
disease is sometimes inherited, but once contracted, is incurable ;
a great deal may be done, however, to ease the animal. Two-
thirds of the cases of this malady, I believe,
are caused by improperly dressing the foot,
cutting the frog away, weakened the bars,
and thinning the sole; and then driving Fig. 62. di.seased na-
over uneven roads, provoking inflammation ^i^'I'i^ar bone, taken

. FROM THE HOOF (FlG.

in the tissues and membranes of the foot, g^^ one-h\lf size.
which finally communicates' itself to the a, Diseased portion
bones and their attachments with one an- "^^ bone,
other.

The above (Fig. 61) represents the back view of a hoof
showing the effects of navicular disease by the shrinkage of the
outer wall upon the living parts of the foot, immediately below

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

167

the coronary band, crowding the cartilages in and stopping in
a measure the circulation. The foot become dry, hard and
feverish and the wall thick and deep. The white line across the
heel shows where the foot should be reduced around the base.
When the disease becomes well established, the horse manifests
it by continual restlessness, standing on one foot and holding
the other backward, with heel elevated and toe touching the
ground, or by twisting the toe out and resting the heels of one
on the coronet of the other; and by constantly shifting and
flexing the fetlock and knee.

iN'ot one-third of the cases of navicular disease which have
come under my observation are chronic ; and, indeed, many cases
which are thus wrongly termed should be considered only nav-
icular joint lameness, which if allowed to run might become
chronic, but are curable if taken in time.

In dressing the foot
for the shoe, proceed as
per Fig. 23, then, after
properly leveling and bal-
ancing it, open up the
commissures and pare out
the sole within safe limits.
If the frog projects above
the heel, pare it flat on the
ground tread. In most
instances the bar shoe
shown in Fig. 63 can be
used with satisfactory re-
sults. It can be easily
made, being of the same
thickness in both branches
from the heel to the cen-
ter of the quarters; in front of the quarters it is gradually
thinned, and at the toe it is rolled or beveled, as indicated at B.

Fig. 63. bak shoe for navicular disease.

A, Plate welded on the shoe over the seat
of navicular disease. B, Roll or bevel at ttie
toe.

1G8 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

After the shoe is prepared for the foot, a thin plate of steel
must be welded on level with the face of the shoe, as represented
at A. The plate being placed directly over the seat of the dis-
ease, will protect the affected parts from any evil results of se-
vere concussion. The bar thus jdaced must not bear upon the
frog, as frog pressure would have a tendency to aggravate the
disease. An open space of considerable depth nmst be suffered
to exist between the plate and the foot, sufficient to permit the
removal of dirt, etc., which may secrete itself.

liivct a firm piece of leather under the heels of the shoe to
cover the bottom of the foot, which fill with my foot salve as
prescribed. Have heel calks welded on both side branches of
the shoe, to be about 1^ inches long, tapering the shoe gradually
from heel to toe and of good height at lieel point, say I incli.

Elevatinir the heels will lessen the friction on the flexor ten-
don in its play over the diseased bone, and the action of the foot
joint will be firmer. After nailing on the shoe stand the horse
in soaking tubs of warm water, two hours a day for a week or
ten days, together with warm water bandages around the coro-
net. By having the shoe rolled on the ground surface in front
of the quarters to the toe, the horse will get over the toe with
the least possible strain on the afl'ected parts. The shoe should
extend as well back at the heel as can be safelj^ worn, and by
this manner of shoeing much relief will be aftbrded. Reset the
shoes every two or three weeks to keep down the surplus growth
on ground tread.

Raised Coronet. — This disease implies a violent alteration
of the coronary band at the heel ; consequent upon either side
of the heel being uneven on the ground surface. This position
of the hoof is fully shown in Fig. 64, on the opposite page.

This complaint arises from mismanagement of the foot, and
its continuance is owing to bad shoeing. In slight cases, when
a horse is let run at grass without shoes, it will generally be

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

169

found sufficient to ef-
fect a cure. In obsti-
nate cases, however,
or when the horse
travels or works regu-
larl}', recourse must be
had to a careful plan
for dressing the foot
and shoeing it.

In such cases, in

Fig. 64.

BACK GROUND SURFACE VIEW OF RAISED
CORONET.

(In dressing foot, see Diagram No. 41, p. 145.)

A, A, Line of ground surface. B, Base of
order to restore the foot raised heel. C, C, Difference in height of the
, , , sides of the heel indicated at the coronet,

to Its natural healthy d, i^^er spur twisted and deformed.

state, the mode of ob-
taining levels I have pointed out must be attended to, see Fig.
23. The higher part of the heel is then to be reduced, but the
strength of the foot on this side must otherwise be carefully
preserved, that it may be sufficiently firm to make up as much
as possible for the deficiency of the full heel. On the other
hand the raised or twisted side must be weakened as much as
can be conveniently done, so that it will readily yield to the
pressure of the animal's weight ; the sole and bars being carefully
thinned, gradually lessening the paring as the toe is approached.
The shoe which is applied should be cut oii" on the side where
the crust turns up, that that part may not be exposed to any
pressure from it.

If the shoe is applied in the manner indicated, the nails
being placed in the quarter of the high side, and stopped at
the toe of the raised side, the crust on that side, it is observed,
will be kept at a considerable distance from the ground.

The flexibility which the horn possesses, therefore, allowing
it to yield in a small degree whenever the horse's weight is
thrown upon it, gradually restores the foot to its natural con-
dition without the liability of further pain. Whenever the
hoof appears to be too dry and hard, or to have lost its pliancy,

170

SCIENTIFIC HOKSKSHOEIN'O.

it may be ke}»t moist by applying several foMs of flannel round
the coronet constantly wetted with warm water, also by having the
horse stand in warm soaking tubs for two or three hours a day.

While P'iiT. 65 is
introduced in order to
ilhistrate the extent to
which disease may ef-
fect a foot through any
mismanagement, it is
not })roposed to suggest
any cure for such an
affection ; but rather to
state that, by careful
attention to the prepa-
ration and shoeing of a
foot, such diseases mav
be avoided. It is the
moral of the old but
Fig. 65. external appearance op hoof de- ^^^^ ad-^g-e, that " an

FORMED BV PEDITIS, AND OVERGROWN I(Y NK(;- '^

LECT. ounce of prevention is

A, A, Dotted line, to which surplas growth at worth a pound of cure."
toe should be removed. B, B, Dotted line, to Yi^f 66 on the OD-

posite page, is a section
of the preceding figure,
through axis of leg from front to rear. The unnatural position
of the foot is noticeable ; the surplus growth at the heel has
raised it out of position, and the decayed coffin-bone is evidently
due to peditic degeneration. This is regarded as the very best
illustration of this disease in print, and speaks for itself.

which surplus growth at heel should be re
moved. C, Wall of foot.

Dished- wheel Foot. — Fig. 67, page 172. To shoe a
foot of this kind tile or rasp the surplus growth on the
dished side from B to C, C, and the surplus growth at
base from D to J). Open up the curled heel overlapping

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC,

171

the cleft of the frog
from E to E, as deeply
as the horn extends.
In fitting the shoe, the
weight must be equal-
ized through the axis
of the leg and foot
when placed on the
ground, as shown in
Fig. 26.

If toe and heel
calkins are required,
use shoe, Fig. 73, let-
ting the toe calkin ex-

Fig. 66. median section op same foot as
lenci over tne curiea j^j^j (55^ showing the destructive effects of
line. The shoe must peditis in the disorganization of the living

T ,, . T ,. structures.

ii:radually widen trom ^ ^ % ^ ^ ^ , , , ,

B, B, and B, B, Dotted lines to which sur-

quarters to heel so as plus growth at toe and heel should be removed.

to cover the heel UD ^' ^^6™^^°^ <^^ imperfect horn. D, Fragment

of dead coffin-bone. E, Navicular bone. F,

close to side of frog. Lower pastern. G, Upper pastern. H, I, J,

Place side heel calkin Withered tendons. K, Slight insertion of flexor

• r perforans. L, Plantar cushion. M, Bulb of

',)n as shown in dia- horny frog. N, Base of hoof ou opposite side.

gram ; the projecting

toe calk and side heel calkin will serve to widen the o-round

tread on the dished side.

The shoe must be beveled from the foot surface on the angle
of the foot so as to assist in gaining ground tread. Forge a
clip on the quarter of shoe on curled side ; the clip will hold the
shoe firmly to the side of the foot, and as the foot grows, the
shoe will carry the foot to the curled side.

If flat shoes are required, use non-paddling shoe. Fig. 124.

The shoe upon curled side should have the nail holes punched

outwardly, so as to take a short, thick hold, to avoid cramping

the foot. Have the shoes reset every two or three weeks. If
12

11-2

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

C

_ . 1 _ .

¥m. 07. BACK VIKW OF DISTOKTED DISHED
IJUARTER AND CrRLKI) IIEKL.

A, A, Center line through frop. B, B,
Angle of diBhe<l quarter, as the foot stands.
55 degrees. C to C, Line denoting por-
tion of dished quartirto be file<l or rasped
otTon one side, and the extension of shoe
on the other side to give proper width of at the toc, on the ground

ground trea<l, and make angles on both ^npfaee, and at tlie coronet,

sides the same — 75degree8. D,D,(Jround

linetowhichbaseof hoof is to be reduced, thus preventing the action

E, E, Curled heel overlapping center of Qf ^]jg secretive

cleft of frog, also showing where heel is

the above instructions are
carried out, the foot will he-
como straight and natural.

The dished foot shown
on page 173 is a result of
overgrowth of the hoof.
The toe is leni'thened and
the heel raised in such a way
as to throw the foot out of
its natural angle. This pro-
duces an unnatural jiressure

powers ;

to be opened with the farrier's knife as

more or less inflammation

deeply as the curle.l horn extends. F, sets in and as the internal
Horny sole deeply concaved. G,C, Shows , ,

distance inner quarter is curled under cen- I'^^^ ^'''^^''^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ outer

ter of foot on ground-bearing surface. wall conforms to the inside.

It has been observed that if
the foot be allowed to remain in this condition for any length
of time, the upper pastern becomes enlarged, which to me is
conclusive proof that it lias been overtaxed.

Horses accustomed to slow work do not suffer from this as
much as road and track horses. When the heel and toe are al-
lowed to grow to an unusual height and length, the angle of the
heel with the ground line is carried forward under the leg, thus
causing the weight to be thrown out of the axis of the leg and
foot ; and when the horse is at full speed, the height of his heels
prevents the natural expansion of the foot, from heel to quarters,
at eacli foot fall, and he lands his foot upon the ground with a
dead jar, like that experienced by a man walking on a wooden
leg. This jar will not be transmitted through the axis of the
leg, pasterns and foot bone, as would be the case if the foot were

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

173

■on its proper angle, but up into the
back tendons, thus causing their
overtaxation.

If the hoof is pared in accord-
ance with the in'dications given
(see Fig. 68), it will stand upon
its proper angle. All dished feet
are thin at the point of the frog,
where great care must be taken in
dressing: the foot to leave sufficient
sole, and in shoeing observe the
necessity of keeping pressure oiF
from front part of foot.

Fig. 68. vikw of dished front

FOOT.

A, A, Dotted line to which
surplus growth of wall should
be removed. B, Dotted line to
which surplus growth of wall
at toe should be removed.

Wheeled Foot.— Fig. 69, on
the following page, is what is termed
a wheeled hind foot, having low
heels and high, deep toe, the reverse
of the defect in Fig. 68. The un-
natural growth is due to mismanagement of the foot. The
weight which should pass through the axis of the leg drops
back of the heel, bearing upon the back tendons and greatly
overtaxing them.

When the foot, in this case, is lifted over the toe, the
weight, which bears upon the arch of the coffin-bone, raises
the point of it by the overgrowth of the toe, and draws the cof-
fin-bone back from the front part of the foot, thus allowing the
front wall to thicken up as seen in the figure.

Common sense declares against permitting a foot to re-
main in this condition, when it can be placed upon its natural
base.

A reference to Fig. 69 shows where the foot ought to be
pared in order to bring the toe to the ground, and allow the
foot to fall more directly under the leg. This will relieve the

174

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

\

Fig. 69. wheeled hind foot,
showing long toe and low heel.

back tendon from overtaxation and
assist nature in brino^ins: the foot
upon its natural angles. Pare the
base of the hoof as shown to dotted
line, 11. File or rasp the front wall
to dotted line, B. After the foot is
dressed, apply shoe (Fig. 115) with
heels extended well back of foot,
and their height varying with the
emergencies. If the shoe is proper-
erly adjusted, the best results may
be expected.

B, H, Lines to which surplus
growth should be removed at
front of foot and from toe to heel.
A, Unniitural thickness of wall
in front.

I

Defective Ankle Joints or
Knuckling. — The catalogue of dis-
eases, defects and deformities in the
feet of horses has bv this time, the
reader will perceive, grown to a considerable length. In tracing
them to their small beginnings, we find a striking instance of
the serious results springing from the " un-
considered trifles " of shoeing. The weak-
ness peculiar to some horses in their hind
ankle joints, next suggests itself This
troublesome aft'ection, in many cases, arises
from the overtaxation of the fetlock durino;
colthood, and, again, from hoofs or shoes
having high toes and heels, or from heredi-
tary influences. This defect is found to be
more prevalent among speedy horses having
long pasterns tlian those of any other kind.
Short upright pasterns in conjunction with Fig. To. dkivlctive an-
high heels and short toes; also improper kle joint.

shoeing— allowing the toes to grow too long ^ A, A, Line to which
<=> ^ o ir> ^^gg Qf hoof should be

and low heels — will render speed horses reduced.

I^v'

•^V:-

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

175

liable to this troublesome ailment. Hard pulling will also de-
velop it and no horses are exempt from it where they are in a
position to overtax the muscles and ligaments of the pastern
and fetlock joints. Certain conformations of the foot or ankle
region, together with improper modes of shoeing, as indicated,
are always classed with the predisposing causes of this defec-
tion. The weakness is generally manifested when the horse is
traveling at a slow gait and renders him less sure footed, though
not always attended by lameness. When driven on the level
the upper pastern occasionally bulges forward, and going down
hill the horse knuckles at every step, but the driver will observe
that when going up hill the horse never knuckles. I call par-
ticular attention to these
points, as the style of shoe g |
proposed for the relief of
knuckling is on the order
of up-hill movement.

It will most generally
be found that unevenly-
grown and unbalanced
feet are present in condi-
tions where knuckling ex-
ists, and in preparing the
foot for the reception of
the shoe, the surplus

growth should be removed Fig. 71. hind foot shoe to prevent and

■i. -XT'- nf\ ^^/] CURE knuckling.

as shown m Jb ig. <0, and

The straight bar indicates the shape of shoe

the foot leveled and bal- g^^en from the side. A, Point from which

anced as per Fio". 23. In ^^^^^ should be tapered to toa and heel.

, , .„ - B, B, Sole-bearing line. C, C, C, Ground

this way the toe will be jj^g

foreshortened, the heels

lowered, the ground tread lengthened, strong frog pressure ob-
tained, and the fetlock or weak joints thus be made to rest more
easily in a normal position. Fig. 71 is the shoe recommended

176

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

t

for the cure of this disease, and may he easily made. A, A, oti
face indicates a point from the toe about one-third of its length
(or two-thirds from the heels), from which the e^rouiid surface

of the shoe is to be drawn forward ta
toe at B, and back to heels at C, C,
leaving the high point at A, as shown
in side bar — usually three-eighths of an
inch, to vary with the extent of
knuckling. The shoe should be made
of steel, (|uite thin and light, that the
horse may have his foot as near the
ground as possible, as well as to receive
the benefit of strong frog pressure.
The effect of a shoe with such a ground-
bearing surface will be to place the
horse upon an incline, as though as-
cending a hill, and, when in a stand-
ing position, the upper pastern will
keep its place in its articulation with
the fetlock joint, and when in motion,
the foot will be able to slide over with-
out straining the parts affected.

Knee Sprung. — Many indefinite
causes have been assigned by various
writers as the originating source of the
condition known as "knee sprung;"
but, it generally appears as if the liga-
ments and bandao^es of the knee had
become strained and enlarged, in which
LEG WHEN KNEE SPRUNG. ^Iso thc frout aud back siucws may
A, A, Angle of this foot 45 become involved by overexertion of
degrees. B, B, Line to which ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^.^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ of the
hoof should be reduced to its
normal basis. knee-joint being no longer properly

r IG. 72. POSITION OF THE

LAMEXESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 177

retained in their places, become bulged or sprung forward.
(Compare Fig. 72 with perfect knee of skeleton, Fig. 2.)

In many cases the formation of the animal, such as undue
length of limb from the knee to fetlock, is a natural predisposi-
tion to weakness at knee ; also, abnormal presentation at time
of foaling where knees are doubled under the body, may produce
a similar tendency.

Young horses subjected to an excess of hard pulling before
they are seasoned or matured, are most liable to injure their
knees in this manner. Care should therefore be taken in work-
ing them that their limbs are not overtasked while under the
age of seven years.

Horses employed in constant " up-hill" work, where the
stress upon the knee is continued and severe, or in suffering
them to stand in stalls where the slope is considerable and the
floor hard, necessitating exertion in the muscles of the leg, and
keeping the ligaments constantly in a tense state, will expose
them to a deformity in their knees, by their leaning or bowing
out in consequence of the ligaments and tendons becoming
weakened. When the proper angle of the -foot is destroyed, as
is most usually produced by improper shoeing, such as having
high. toes and low heels, causing the lower pastern to bear down
upon the navicular bone, which in turn presses back against the
flexor perforans, will produce an over distension of the muscles ;
and similarly, sore or bruised heels will cause a constant leaning
forward on the knees to relieve the pressure on other parts, and
thus produce this defect ; or, should the foot even be properly
pared, and the shoe then applied be thick at the toe — the heels
of the hoof being low — the efiect of always ascending would be
the same, and result in the malformation of which we treat; or,
if the shoe is too short — indeed, any mode of shoeing that will
unbalance the foot, may cause the knees to spring forward.

"When the disease becomes chronic, and the ligaments and
tendons so much relaxed as to be no longer able to respond to

178 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

the treatment, a radical cure may be impossible : but, if taken
in time, and the foot properly dressed and shod, the disease can
be cured.

In dressini;^ the foot for this disease, pare it level and lower
it to its proper angle, bearing in mind the directions given in
Chapter IV.

The style of shoe which 1 have found to be best adapted
for the relief of sore tendons and knee spring, are the scoop-toe
rolling motion. Fig. 120, rolling-motion slioe. Fig. 125, and four-
calkin shoe. Fig. 101 ; having the shoe adapted to extend as far
back at the heels as the safety of the foot may seem to require.
This extension and elevation of the heels usually aftbrds speedy
relief. Either of these patterns, by shortening the ground sur-
face at the toe and streni^thening the knee when the horse is
moving forward, "will relieve the strain and enable him the bet-
ter to pass his feet over uneven ground surface, which is some-
times the cause of twisting and straining the already injured
parts. Another means of furthering a cure is to feed the horse
from the ground. This will have the eftect of throwing the ani-
mal's weiijht more directlv over his limbs, and thus assist nature,
in a manner, to retrench the enlargement in the knee bandages.

Curb. — This consists of an inflammation and swelling of
the posterior portion of the tendon passing over the calcis, or
hock bone (p. 36, Fig. 2—39). This is often accompanied with
considerable heat, pain and lameness. The cause is an accident
to ligaments at and around the hock, and is the result of hard
pulling, prancing or leaping, or galloping over uneven ground
surfaces, etc. The peculiar conformation of some horses ren-
ders them more likely to be attended by curbs than others ; but
as it is alwavs the result of over-taxation, and does not admit
of much labor in the affected part, it should be remedied as
soon as possible. Fig. 73 shows an extreme case of curb, such
as may come from the hind feet and legs standing too far under

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

179

ElG. 7o. HIND LEG, SHOWING CUKB.

Fig. 74. leg with curb ban-
dages AND FOOT shod.

the body (see p. 200, Fig. 94), the result of a bent or cycle hind
leg formation. In these cases use four calkin shoe (p. 213, Fig.
101). The heel calkins should stand higer than the toe cal-
kins, thus placing the foot further back, and the changed posi-
tion, together with the elevated heel, will support the leg and
relieve the strain upon the affected weak joint. Bathe the
curb frequently in warm water, almost hot, and bandage in four
or five thicknesses (Fig. 74). After the inflammation has sub-
sided, apply liniment described in Recipe 3, page 294, for a

180 SCIENTIFIC HOKSP]SHOi:i.\(;.

week or more. If any callous remains, paint tliu surface ^vith
iodine until it disappears.

Bone Spavin. — This disease takes its name from an en-
lariifement of the inm-r side of the hock, creatinir a bony ex-
cresccnce ahout the hcjck /joint :iiid rrsultini::; oftentimes iu
lameness. It can not be treated with uniform success, for it
often ]ii'o\\s very obstinate and not infre(piently incurable.

I would invariably recommend that the affected liorse, after
being shod, be jilaced under a most skillful and experienced
veterinary surgeon. In many instances, special shoeing alone
will relieve the trouble. The shoe I have found to be the most
satisfactory and disposed to give ease and comfort is the four-
calked liind-foot shoe (p. 24!>, Fig, 14")). It is obvious there
can not be two cases of spavin similar. A I'our-calked hind-
foot shoe, therefore, desigm-d for any one case, will not be
effective in another. Every case must have its own diairnosis,
and thereupon the paring of the foot and the making and set-
ting of the shoe must l)e determined, bearing in mind always
the balancing of the foot. But, as I say above, the shoe most
satisfactory all around, to give ease and comfort, is the four-
calked hind-foot shoe, as above described, with the toe and heel
calkins placed to suit the case in hand. 1 very often have found
it advisable to place the inside toe calkin back from the center
of toe of shoe fully three-quarters to an inch farther than the
outside toe calkin, making the inside toe calkin one-quarter of
an inch lower and the outside toe-calkin one-quarter of an inch
hisrher. Bevel the front toe calkins as shown in diao;ram above
mentioned, so as to allow the toe to roll over more easily in the
forward movement. Having the outside heel and toe calkins
higher than the inside heel and toe calkins will cause the weight
to fall upon the outside of the hock joint, and in many cases
the result will be surprising.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 181

Bog Spavin. — Is a dropsical condition of the joint, which
becomes so either from a loss of power in the absorbent vessels,
or an increased action of the sacs which secrete the joint oil.
Perhaps both these causes may concur in producing the disease,
the more remote cause of which is hard work — that is, too great
or too long continued action of the joint.

The bog spavin does not so often occasion lameness as the
other, except when a horse is worked hard, which generally
causes a temporary lameness, removable by rest ; but it does
not always admit of a radical cure, for though blistering is of
likely service, the trouble generally returns with any consider-
able exertion. Much may be done, however, to assist the horse
in his movements, by properly balancing the foot and suitably
adjusting the four-calked hind-foot shoe above described, shown
in Fig. 145, page 249.

Canker. — This is a local disease most frequently arising
from the thrush, and attacking the front feet. It consists at
first of an ulcerous sore in cleft of frog, when the inflammation
of the parts is severe and they are quite tender — often making
the horse quite lame. The parts afiected become very soft and
rotten, with a discharge of purulent matter. By early attention
and proper treatment the disease is easily cured, but if it con-
tinues its ravages it not infrequently destroys the horny frog
and often extends to the sensitive sole and other parts of the
foot. The simplest treatment I have found to be the quickest
and the best: First, dress the foot, as per Fig. 23, then take
three or four old rasps, sharpen one end of each and heat to a
white heat, and while in that state apply to cankered part of
frog, holding the iron at an angle of about 45 degrees, and giv-
ing it a quick downward stroke along the side of frog from
upper edge down and forward, and continuing with the other
heated irons until bottom of soreness is reached and burnt away.

182 SCIENTIFIC JlORSKSlIOEIXc;.

Sometimes tliis disease attacks the inner and outer quarters, and
I have operated on chronic cases where excrescences had been
thrown up over the diseased parts like linger stumps, standing
out from one-fourtli to three-fourths inches, and by this burning
process have permanently cured them. Give the horse a liot
water foot bath for three hours after burning, and as tlie open
state of cells of foot after these operations develops granulations
very rapidly, tliis burning and soaking treatment must be kept
up daily until entirely cured. This treatment is not as severe
or painful as it appears, as the horse does not jerk away under
it. I>o not poultice the foot, but let it remain oj)cn, and keep
the horse quiet in a dry stall.

Foot Rot, or Seedy Toe. — This insidious dsscase occurs
sometimes in the toe, and at other times around the inner or
outer quarters of the foot. It manifests itself by a wasting
away or drying up of the sensitive laminre, and in slight attacks
may be easil}' cured, as the horse seemingly does not at once go
lame, seemingly requiring some little time to develop into a
condition of lameness. When it becomes aggravated, however,
and involves toe and quarters, it is disabling, and requires care-
ful treatment. I have treated some very stubborn cases, where
a complete separation of wall and vascular parts had taken
place, extending almost from ground surface to coronet, and
where only one and a half to two inches of solid horn re-
mained. In such cases I removed all the separated parts of the
wall as far as the disease extended, fairlv uneoverino: the coffin
bone. I then made a wide webbed, deeply concave shoe to
cover around toe and quarters; thence gradually narrowing it
to the heels, with a good wide bar across to get strong frog
pressure ; three nail holes to be placed on each side at the heels.
Kext I pulled a clip on each side of the quarters and at front
toe, making the clips very long, bent up at the same angle as

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 183

the wall, fitting shoe snug all around, with a light leather riveied
on to hold the packing of salve (see prescription IsTo. 2), with
which the bottom of foot should be filled. After the shoe is on,
take enough of same salve warmed and build on outside of foot
about to the thickness of natural hoof, covering the surface to
at least one inch above coronet ; then encase same within a
leather strap or boot, fitting neatly around foot from shoe to
one and a half inch above coronet, slip the leather down inside
the clips running back under the bulge of the heels, buckle on
the outside, then gently drive the clips in toward the foot to
make secure hold ao:ainst the leather; also have small screw
holes drilled through the clips, about one half inch above shoe,
and insert screws to assist in holding the leather firmly to bot-
tom of foot. After dressing in this way have the foot soaked
in warm water two hours a day ; this, with the salve, will assist
the formation of new horn and eftect a permanent cure.
Horses that I have treated in this way have not only grown
new, strong hoofs, but were at the same time used daily at slow
work.

In ordinary cases of seedy toe, level the foot, as per Fig.
23, then with a probe or sharp mstrument remove all pithy, de-
cayed substances as deep as such extend, being careful uot to
draw blood. Fit shoe snug to foot, draw up clips on shoe op-
posite the separated parts to secure a firm brace against the
weakened wall when weight of horse is resting on it ; have as
many clips as may be necessary for this purpose. After shoe is
fitted, remove the lower margin of hoof so that no pressure
can come upon the separated parts, and have the nails located
to go in the sound, healthy portions of the horn. Before at-
taching shoe use the salve treatment as directed for the more
severe cases.

The subject of seedy toe would not be complete if the ac-
companying illustration should be omitted. It is an admir

ISO-

SCIENTIFIC JIORSESIIOEIXG.

Fig. 75. hoof, with .seedy toe — shod.
A, A, clips on shoe. B, diseased portion.
^, C, C, sound hoof.

able side view, si i owing
a chronic case of foot
rot, caused by tlie ex-
cessive wasting away of
the sensitive laniinye on
that side of the hoof,
either by intianimation
produced by a blow,
or by undue dry-
ness of the hoof. The
disease of the sensitive
laminfe extends as high
as the sound hoof out-
lined by the letters C, C, C.
B indicates the diseased
portions contiguous to the
coffin bone, and A, A,
the necessary clips drawn
upon the shoe, as spe-
cifically explained in the
preceding paragraph.

Fig. 76. section op hoop affected with
seedy toe.

A, A, Insensitive laminje. B, B, Outer
wall. C, C, Wall separated from lamiute. D,
Bulging or dishing effect of separation. E,
AVall removed opposite separation. P, F, In-
sensitive sole. G, Frog.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 185

Broken Bars. — Tliis ailment is the result of an over-
growth of the sole and consequent dryness of the insensitive
sole. The secretions become dry and hard, the bars unyielding
and do not spring as the horse rests his weight upon the foot.
This causes the bars to give way and break, making the
horse very lame. If not properly treated, this disease often
assumes a more serious form, difficult to cure, even in time ;
and if neglected its ravages will soon destroy the usefulness of
the horse.

The process of treatment I use is to pare the foot, leaving
a good, wide outer wall-bearing. Then commence at each side
of the point of the frog and pare the commissures thin from
point of frog back to the heels on the inner and outer sides of
the foot ; then remove all the bars and sole as deep as the soft
tissues or broken bars, holding the knife at an angle of about
45 degrees, paring the sole and bars quite thin. The broken
ends of the bars must be removed with the knife as deeply as
they extend up into the foot. See that the foot is properly bal-
anced, and then make and put on a suitable shoe for the work
the horse has to perform. Place a piece of sole leather first
under the shoe, covering the bottom of the foot. Rivet the
sole leather at the heels of the shoe, trimming the leather to fit
snugly to outside of shoe. Next hold up the foot, and fill the
bottom with my foot salve (recipe Ko. 2). After the salve has
become cool, lay a thin layer of white cotton over the bottom
of the foot, covering the salve, and nail on the shoe. The salve
will exclude the air from the affected parts, the leather will pro-
tect the bottom of the foot and hold the salve in its place.
Finally stand the horse in the soaking tub for at least one or
two hours in warm water. The effect of the soaking tub will
be to open the pores of the wall, and assist nature in casting off
the inflammation. If the foot should show signs of fever
around the coronet band, keep the soaking swabs well wet with
warm water, and see that they are well buckled around the

180

SCIENTIFIC HOUSESHOEIXG.

lower pasterns. Keep the swabs on pastern and around the
foot as long as there is fever around the coronet band. By fol-
lowing the above instructions I have never failed to make a
permanent cure in feet affected with broken bars. This opera-
tion must be performed by a competent and skillful farrier.

Lameness and Diseases of the Foot. — One of the most
common yet painful disorders of the foot is a separated wall

at the coronet, which may
result from any sharp in-
strument, such as a wire
fence, the calkin of the
opposite shoe, or a raised
clinch of the nail. This
ii) ■ may result in a fissure or

crack in the w^all, which
will become permanent as
the wall grows down, or
it may cause a wide sepa-
ration at the coronet.

The treatment should
never involve the paring
away the wall at the coro-
net, but on the contrary
at the ground surface of
the wall immediately be-
FiG. 77. ■ low the injury, as shown

in Fig. 77. Then place
the shoe on the foot, having four or more nairlToles immediately
below the ground surface thus pared away, and draw them up
gradually — first tapping one, then another — till the wall is
drawn down to the shoe, and the pressure at the coronet is
relieved. In order to do this efi'ectively, the hoof should be
softened bv standins: in warm water a sufficient length of time.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

187

If there is any foreign or detached substance in the wound it
should he cleansed with warm water injected, or the wash num-
bered 4, on page 294.

When the wound has been thus thoroughly dressed, then
apply the salve described in Recipe No. 2, on page 292. Use
surgeon's cotton, saturated with the heated salve, large enough
to cover the wound and the skin of the coronet above. Then
retain the cotton dressing by applying a linen bandage. Then
apply the iron heated, but not so hot as to burn the bandage,
and close enough to open the pores. The inflammation will
pass oS' through the pores, and the salve will stimulate a
healthy growth.

In treating draft horses, have the toe well set back on the
shoe, provided with a
side heel calkm on the
affected side. The
dressing: should be con-
tinned as prescribed for
ten days, and the
wound will slowly yet
efi'ectually heal.

There are many in-
stances in which it is
not advisable to weak-
en the foot by tub
baths, especially where
the inflammation is
confined to the coro-
nary band. An adfnir-
able substitute is found
in the felt swab shown
in Fig. 78, well satu-
rated in warm water

and buckled around the
13

Fig. 78,

HEALTHY FOOT COVERED BY FELT
SWAB.

A, Swab buckled around pattern.

188

SCIENTIP^IC HURSESHOEIXG.

Fig. 79. felt swab.

C, C, Inside of swali. B, B, Strap ami
buckle.

lioof, extoiidiiig above the
coronet. This is espe-
cially valuable iu liot, dry
weather, when the hoof
loses the moisture from
the orrouiiJ and becomes
brittle and hard. The
swab can be made of
thick felt, after the j>at-
tern shown in Fitr. 70.

Abnormal Feet. — Before making an examination of faulty
limbs, it is proper to present the subject of abnormal feet. Tlie
foot is in pi>rfect poise when it is level and balanced, the heels
being of the same height, so tliat the liorse lands upon both
alike, and springs from a level toe, after he has rolled over quar-
ters of the same height. The
heels must not be too high, nor
the toe too h>ng, nor the hoot
out of proportion at the sides,
taking the median line of the
cleft of the frog as the basis
of measurement.

Fig. 80 represents a per-
fect front foot. It is placed
properly under the carcass.
The vertical line, A, A, 2)asses
down through the axis of the
cannon bone, and reaches the
ground at the posterior angle
of the wall and bar. The line
B B intersects the line A A ir on

riG. 80. PERFECT FKOXT FOOT.

at the center of the ankle . . . , ,.

A, A, Axial line of leg. B, B,

joint, and passes through the Axial line through cofFm bone.

LAMEXESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

189

axis of the coffin bone to
the ground, which indi-
cates the perfect poise of
the coffin bone when the
foot is at rest. This
is the crucial test of a
foot both level and bal-
anced. If the coffin bone
is out of position with
reference to the median
line, B, B, the entire foot
and limb are out of bal-
ance. The journals of
the joints at the ankle
and knee do not articu-
late in equilibrio, and the
tendons and ligaments are
unduly taxed or relieved,
dependent upon which
side of the hoof bears an
undue strain. The ac-
companying drawings will illustrate this point. Fig. 81 shows
the proper position. Fig. 86, with the vertical dropping through
the apex of hoof, is the reproduction of a perfect coffin bone,
photographed from nature. The line of pressure was thrown
back from its correct vertical position by an undue length
and height of the wall at the toe (see Fig. 82). The reverse
result is obtained by an excessive height of the heel, as shown
in Fig. 85. In the one instance a preponderance of the weight
is thrown upon the flexors, and in the other upon the extensors;
and in both cases depriving the bone structure of the limb of
its primary function of being the organic weight bearer.

The practical result of thus placing the foot out of line
with reference to the vertical position of the cannon bone, and

Fig. 81. coffin bone.
Lateral view — correct position.

190

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

.A^ D

A-',

a

Fig. 82. high toe.

Defective results shown 1)y lines B, B,
and D, D.

passes through the axis of the
cannon bone reaches the ground
at an appreciable distance back
of the heel, thus showing the
entire foot and limb are thrown
forward out of their proper posi-
tion. Moreover, the inclination
of the pastern joint is enormously
increased, as shown by the line
D, D, Avhereas the proper in-
clination is shown by the line
B, B. Xow, if the toe is low^-
ered the distance marked C, C, it
is apparent that the vertical line
A, A, will be thrown forward till
it will pass through the axis of

the proper inclination of
the pastern joint, is pre-
cisely the reverse of what
is the general conclusion
of the average horseman.
For instance, an abnor-
mal hii^h toe invariablv
pitches the foot and limb
forward, and an extra
high heel (Fig. 85) has
the opposite result. This
is plainly shown in Fig.
84. By elevating the toe
the vertical line that

Fig. S3, coffin bone, s.\me defect.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

191

the ankle joint and touch the heel at the ground surface,
foot will then resume its normal
position, by standing further
back directly under the limb.
This investigation is so
important in its practical re-
sults that the converse effect
of excessive height of the
heels is illustrated in this con-
nection. Fio;. 84 shows this
defect in dressing the hoof for
the shoe. The vertical line of
pressure, A, A, is thrown for-
ward beyond the axis of the

The

Fig. 85. coffin bone, same defect.

Fig. 84. shows defect caused by
too high heels.

cannon bone, so that it
reaches the ground far in
advance of the angle of the
heel. The inclination of the
pastern is made more up-
right, as shown by the line
D, D, instead of preserving
its normal position as indi-
cated by the line B, B. If
the heels are lowered the
distance indicated by the
line C, C, the foot will be
changed to the correct po-
sition indicated by E, E,
and all the bones, joints,

192

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

Fig. 86. coffin bone — vertical in-
line.

Fig. 86 is a photograph of a perfect
coffin bone, exactly level on sole
bearing, with the flexor tendon cut
oflf" even with B, the navicular bone.
In a well-balanced foot the vertical
dropped from the center of the knee
passes through the center of the apex
of the coffin bone.

Fl<^. 87. COFFIN HONE — VERTICAL OUT
OK LINE.

Fig. 87 is a photograph of a perfect
coffin bone, showing tiie efTects of an
uneven height of quarters. Assum-
ing width of hoof 4 inches on the
bottom, distance from base to knee
20 inches, difference of height in
quarters of ^ inch would cause a dis-
placement of n inches at the knee,
thus unevenly distributing the weight
and bearings.

tendons and ligaments will operate in structural har-
mony.

We are now prepared to advance to the consideration of
the foot and leg in their proper positions as weight bearers.

Fig. 88 has been drawn with great care to show the perfect
front limb and foot. It is correctly placed under the carcass, so

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

193

Fig. 88. perfect front
mmb and foot.

Fig. 89. front limb and foot pointing for-
ward— HIGH TOE.

that the bone structure from the shoulder to the ground surface
shall bear its exact proportion of the body, and enable all the
complex actions of the joints, tendons and ligaments to operate
with the greatest ease, precision and effect.

Fig. 89 shows the limb and foot pointing forward, by reason
of the causes heretofore explained. The invariable result of
this faulty position is soreness at the point of the frog. To re-
lieve this painful ailment, the toe should be lowered and the
wall relieved at the toe, so that no bearing will be placed upon
the shoe, at least the thickness of a No. 5 horseshoe nail around
the forward arch of the hoof, and the two toe nails be left out.
This will give almost instant relief.

19i

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIXG.

\

Ik.

Tlie opposite
result, from an ex-
cessive lieight of
heel, is exempli-
fied ill Fig. 90.
The trouble, after
a careful examina-
tion, will invaria-
bly be located in
the heel and the
flexor tendon.
Gentle pressure or
slii^ht blows will
indicate the sore
spot. The hard,
unyielding sole at
the point of pain
should be re-
moved and tVie
inflammation re-
duced bystandincr

the foot and limb in a bath of tepid water. The hospital shoe
to prevent lameness, if the horse is needed for immediate use,
can be selected from several approved patterns. It may be
necessary to cover the sole of the foot for the first shoeing with
protecting leather. When this is done the best shoe to use is
the bar, as shown on page 233. As a remedial shoe it can be
improved by welding on oblong heel calkins, and a long toe
calkin set back from the outer web of the shoe in front. If an
open shoe is preferred, the four-calkin shoe illustrated on page
213 (Fig. 101) will answer the purpose. In case the lameness
is severe, the leather covering may be supplied with a packing
to keep the sole of the foot from becoming hard and dry. In
that event, my experience has demonstrated the benefit of using

Fig. 90. FKONT I.I.MIJ AM) FOOT,
POINTING UACKWAKD.

LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

195

fat pickled pork, just out of the brine, cut in long, thin slices
and pressed well into the sore spot and into the commissures.
The inflammation will be relieved if the foot, when thus packed,
is placed in warm water for at least two hours, keeping up the
temperature as hot as the hand can bear.

If speed is required while the horse is under treatment, the
rolling motion shoe (Fig. 125), on page 235, may be used ; or,
.if the action is already too high, the scooprtoe shoe (Fig. 121,
page 232) can be substituted.

When the weight is thrown, by reason of a too high or long
toe, unduly upon the flexor
tendon, the result in violent
action shows itself in either
an inflamed flexor tendon
or a complete let-down. In
the latter case the usefulness
of the horse is at an end,
but in tlie former, remedial
treatment, accompanied with
absolute rest, insures a per-
fect cure. The tendon bows
out as shown in Fig. 91.
The foot should be dressed
as shown in the illustration,
and a prepared surgeon's
bandage, wrung out in witch
hazel, applied as therein
shown, after the limb has
been thoroughly bathed in
the same preparation.

After the leg has thus
been bandaged moderately
tight, the foot should be
fihod with the four- calkin

Fig. 91.

FOOT PROPERLY PARED BEFORE
BEING SHOD.

196

SCIENTIFIC HOR8ESH0KING.

shoe as illustrated in Fig. 101, page 218. The liuel calkins
should be liiirlier than tlie toe calkins. This will throw the
weight forward upon the cannon bones and relieve the tlexor
tendons till tlie inflanuuation sul)sides. When this is accom-
phshed the witcli hazel may be discontinued, and the more

Fig. 92. foot aftek bking bandaged and shod.

stimulating liniment described on page 294, Recipe 3, can be
substituted. The liniment can be alternated with the bandage,
each. being applied every other day for ten days, when nature
will complete the cure.

It may be useful to describe a proper soaking tub. Such a
vessel is shown in Fig. 93. It should be made of hard wood,

LAMEXESS AND DISEASES, ETC.

197

about twenty inches in height and width, with a strong bottom
sufficient to stand the pressure of the heaviest draught horse.
When the treatment is for inflamed tendons, the warm water
should be at least sixteen inches in depth, while five or six
inches of water is sufficient for the ordinary foot bath.

Fig. 93. soaking tub.

198 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

CHAPTER VTTT.
FAULTS OF STRUCTURE AND ACTION.

REGULATED OR RESTRICTED BY SHOEING.

A large percentage of tlie liorses have feet or legs which
are not perfect in fontorniatinn. mid as a consequence of these
imperfections they are especially predisposed to certain injuries
and diseases, as well as to manifest discordance of action — un-
desirable in itself and unpleasant in its etiects according to the
rapidity of motion in dilierent gaits. Much may be learned
from careful observation of the action of an evenly-balanced
horse, as a standard by wliich to compare and determine that
which is defective or undesirable in figure and gait, as previously
indicated in Chapters I and V.

After examining the gait at which the horse moves, as
pointed out, carefully study the poise of the legs and feet when
at rest. The weak points of a horse's conformation can be bet-
ter discovered while standing than while moving. If he is sound
he will stand firmly and squarely on his limbs without moving
them, with legs plump and naturally and equally poised ; or if
the foot is taken from the ground and the weight taken from it,
disease may be suspected or at least tenderness, which is the
precursor of disease. If the horse stands with his feet spread
apart, or straddles with his hind legs, there is a weakness in the
loins and the kidneys are disordered. Heavy pulling bends the
knees. A kicking horse is apt to have scarred legs ; a stumbling
horse has blemished knees, etc.

Xever buy a horse in harness. Unhitch him and take every
thins: oii" but his halter and lead him around. If he has a corn
or is stiff, or has any other failing, you can see it. Let him go

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 199

by himself aways. Back him too. Some horses show their
weakness or tricks in that way when they do n't in any other.

The vital part of a horse, as far as his value is concerned, is
the foot, for it is only as an organized locomotive machine that
the horse is practically the most valuable companion to man.
Hence without good feet and supple, muscular legs he would be
of small value, either for work or speed, and the rational care
of these underlies all else in the equine economy, as any impair-
ment of them is a matter of extreme gravity and apprehension.

It is difficult, indeed, to understand how the feet and legs
of horses stand the wear and tear of work in our great cities,
where every step of their iron-shod hoofs is upon a hard, un-
yielding road ; and where, even at rest in their stables, they are, '
in a majority of cases, condemned to stand upon hard floors.
There is no other creature living — save and excepting the don-
key or mule — which can long bear the constant battering en-
tailed by rapid locomotion over a paved surface. But if we
look at the structure of the horse's foot (Figs. 3 to 15) we see
how it is that the jar and vibration do not injure them more —
severe as it is known to be. He is in fact mounted on springs,,
and it is not surprising that the intricate apparatus of locomo-
tion, w^ith its symmetry of movement and the perfection of its
details should be admiringly termed " a living machine."

In the language of another : " His very muscles appear at
every motion, not soft and flabby, but firm and distinct. His
veins, like rivulets, run in an infinite number of meanders,
his limbs are clean, nervous, durable and ready at every call —
and of all creatures he seems to approach nearest man, both for
beauty, majesty and sagacity, and his services are likewise the
most noble and excellent."

The drawings on the following pages fairly illustrate the dif-
ference between well-formed and malformed legs, and good and
faulty standing positions. A comparison of these may enable the
reader to judge for himself as to what is the best position, and

200

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

1. Too straight. 2. Too much bent. 3. Too far beliiiid.

Fig. 94. faulty positions op uind legs, side view.

what condition or nialtbrniation of the legs causes deviation
therefrom. It must be borne in mind, however, that experience
is the best and only teacher in matters of this kind, and that all
I can attempt within the limits of this branch of my subject,
is to set the reader on the right track; the rest depends upon
himself.

The character and position of the hock has much to do with
the standing position of the rear part of the horse, and the
numerous faulty positions in which we show this is conclusive
on this point. The qualities of a good hock are that it should
be clear, rigid, and well defined, without puffiness or swelling ;
the bones should be large and prominent, and viewed from the
side should appear wide above and below. They should be
neither straight or overbent. There is also a relative value to
be attached to hocks malformed or apparently differing from
those laid down. Horses with defective hocks may be good
for one sort of work and unsuited to another. As for instance,

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT.

201

hocks that will not stand violent exertions may endure for years
in quiet work ; but these are exceptions, and the rule stands
good as before.

Comparing Figs. 1, 2, 3 (page 200), and 4 and 5 (page 201),
we recognize some broad distinctions.

In Fig. 1, the hock is too straight. The legs in this posi-
tion are subject to spavin and thorough-pin.

In Fig. 2, the hock is overbent and we may look for curb.

In Fig. 3, the leg is too far behind ; and, therefore, does not
afford the horse sufficient propelling power.

In Fig. 4, the hocks stand in and the toes stand out ; and
in Fig. 5, the hocks stand out and the toes stand in.

In contrast to the foregoing. Figs. 6 and 7 (page 202), rep-
resent the usually recommended position and what is considered
the best position ; and in connection herewith the reader is re-
spectfully referred again to Fig. 1, illustrating the model horse,
according to my 50 years' experience and observation.

4. Hocks too close. 5. Hocks too open.

Fig. 95. faulty position of hind legs, back view.

202

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

«. Position usually recommended. 7. Best position.

Fig. 96. good position of hind legs.

Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11
represent faulty positions of
the fore legs. In Fig. 8,
the elbow stands out and the
toes stand in, commonly
called " pigeon toes." In
Fig. 9, the elbows stand in
and the toes stand out, caus-
ing the knees to spring to-
gether.

In Fig. 10, on the
189th page, we have a side
view of what is termed a

8. "Pigeon-toed." 9. Knock-kneed. " calf leg," in tllis the Vertl-

FiG. 97. FAULTY positions OF FORE LEGS, cal lliie from the should-
er through the axis will pass outside of and at a distance from

FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AND MOVEMENT.

203

the wings of the heels.

This, as

\

10. Calf leg.
Fig. 98

11. Feet too close.

FAULTY POSITIONS OP FORE
LEGS.

will be seen upon reference
thereto, varies much from the
requirements of a perfect horse.
Such a position does not denote
speed, but is not objectionable in
a draft horse. In Fig. 11, the
feet stand too closely together on
the ground ; a position not recom-
mended in a good horse.

Finally, in contrast with
these faulty positions of the fore-
legs, we show front and side views
of them, in which the points
favorable in a perfect horse are all
noticeahle. In the side view, the
foot is well under the leg, and the axis of the bones of the leg
are all in line, as indicated
by the vertical dotted line
that drops from point of
shoulder to foot, and the
foot stands upon its proper
angle.

In the front view the
conditions still remain the
same. The shoulders are
prominent, strong and well-
set back, the fore arm is
muscular, the fore leg tap-
ered from elbow" to foot, and
the dotted line, in the ver-
tical, passes directly through
the axis of each leg and foot.
14

12. Side.
Fig. 99.

13. Front.
VIEWS OF PERFECT LEGS.

204: SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Care of the Foot from Colthood. — I have often read and
heard the statements of many authorities to the effect that the
inside (quarters of the horse's foot were weaker than the out-
side quarters ; hut from personal ohservation and practical
knowledge, I can safely say that those statements are true only
in cases of disproportionate huild or where the foot has hecome
altered or atiected hv niismanafjement or iiiiiiroiu'c shoeine:.
In a perfect, healthful foot, such as is shown in Fig. 24,
however, the different parts are, without exception, symmetrical.

And that T might satisfy myself fully in this regard, I have
for many years visited the fertilizing factories, and with a com-
pass have closely examined thousands of green specimens after
they were stripped, and measured them from the center of
fissures to the union of tlie inner wall and floor of sole on hoth
sides from (quarters hack to heels, and never found an instance
of a healthful foot where the difference exceeded the sixteenth
of an inch. And even when the outer wall has grown more
luxuriantly upon one side than the other, have I ever found
uny perceptible difference in the inner part of the foot. I have
also closely examined with calipers the wall upon both quarters
of feet which never had been shod or tampered with, from the
center of the back through the quarters to the heels, and never
found any variation in the thickness. And I have gone still
further to satisfy myself upon this point. I have repeated vis-
ited stock farms containing fifty or seventy-five horses and colts,
whose feet never have been shod or tampered with, and upon
careful inspection have found that the one-sided growth was due
to the comparative length of the neck and legs. If the legs
were short and the neck long, the feet would be straight ; that
is, if the horse was perfectly built, the legs and neck propor-
tional, the feet were always straight in front and the growth of
the foot symmetrical. If the legs were long and the neck short,
the growth was more luxuriant upon the outside quarters. In
some instances where the points of the shoulder were wide and

FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AND MOVEMENT. 205

the legs inclined inward, their feet would stand closely together
and the growth was greater on the inside than on the outside
quarter ; or vice versa, if the points of the shoulder were nar-
row, the horse knock-kneed, and the feet apart, the growth
would be larger on the outer than inner quarter.

And in fact the variation in growth at quarters may exist to
a great degree. In all my measurements of the wall from the
inner floors of the foot to the coronet, I did not find the quar-
ters vary in thickness one from the other. When the old cus-
tom existed of making shoes rights and lefts, the inner quar-
ter was made straighter than the outer, and even up to the
present day the unskillful farrier, in fitting shoes, files and rasps
the inner quarter straighter than the outer, to make the hoof
agree with the shoe.

After all these examinations, I came to the conclusion that
there was no right or left to the foot ; that what w^ill fit one foot
will fit its mate. If the horse does not travel squarely on his
feet, search out the cause and you will find my statements true.
It is only the skillful farrier who can adjust shoes to correct
malformations ; the hind feet difler in shape from the fore feet ;
and it requires more good judgment to shoe the front than the
hind feet, to keep the horse squarely upon his feet.

In conclusion, I desire to add briefly, in the light of the
above facts, that in order to have perfect horses, the feet should
be kept level and straight in colthood. The surplus growth
should be pared and removed at least four times a year, and
oftener, if necessary. For, if the feet be left to grow in a faulty
position up to maturity, we may expect imperfect feet or legs.
Almost any imperfect foot or leg, if treated in colthood, can be
straightened ; but if it be neglected to the age of six or seven
years, it is then too late, A great deal, however, can be done to
assist nature in restoring the malformation ; and it is not to be
denied that the usefulness of the horse depends upon good, solid
feet and legs.

20'j SCIENTIFIC IIURSESHOEING.

Splay Foot— Knee Hitting. — The term '' splay foot " is
applied to horses that point or spread their toes outward. This
condition may arise from either one of two causes: tirst, from a
fault of conformation, which may be discovered by an examina-
tion of the limb from the foot to the shoulder. If the toe turns
out and the upper arm stands in close to the body, the malform-
ation is in the *' splayed " condition of the upper arm or shoulder
joint. AVhen this is the case there is no remedy to be found in
any proposed style of shoeins^, for the foot can not be pared to
bring it straight in line with the median plane of the body with-
out violently wrenching or twisting the jointed process of the
shoulder and forearm.

Second, The cause may be referred to mismanagement or
improper shoeing of the foot. In this case the arm may be
normal and the fault confined to the ankle and foot — the pastern
inclined inward ami the toe of the foot turned outward. An
examination of the hoof under these circumstances will reveal
that the splayed appearance does not exist in the condition of
the limb, and is therefore not real but is due to an unbalanced
foot — the outside of the splay foot being too high at the toe.
This defect can then be remedied and the foot straightened in
line with the normal axis of the leg by proper attention in
shoeing.

Sometimes this deformity is visible only in one limb, while
its counterpart may be perfectly straight. An instance of this
kind that came under my observation was the case of the once
noted trotter, " Jo Bunker." One of his fore limbs curved in-
ward very noticeably, with the foot splayed or turned outward,
but the other limb was straight and true to the line of normal
movement.

■ When at rest splay-footed horses always stand with their
front feet slanting, wide apart, with toes out and heels in ; and
from this fact it is apparent that the higher the outside toe is,
the farther and wider will the feet point. The longer, too, that

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 207

a horse is allowed to remain in this condition, the more difficult
it will be to remedy it, but much may be done in most cases to
bring the feet to a correct bearing by timely methods of shoe-
ing. Splay-footed horses are usually liable to strike or cut their
knees, hence, in undertaking to shoe them for the prevention of
this trouble, first examine the position of both fore and hind
limbs as they stand on a level floor, and note how they are dis
posed. Every splay-footed, knee-hitting horse places his front
feet with the outside mars-in of the toe first in contact with the
ground, with a twist to the inside heel as it drops. The outside
toe being the high point of the foot and standing out of the
rectilinear way of movement, the knee of that limb can not
swing out far enough to clear the other in passing. The con-
trolling power of the muscles is exercised at the ground resist-
ance, and if the foot leaves the ground straight it will be carried
straight, but if it inclines to wind or dip in or out, the position
of the foot on the ground will indicate when it is not in line
with the normal axis of the limb.

To overcome knee-hitting in splay-footed horses, the direc-
tions for leveling and balancing the foot, as per Fig. 23, Chapter
TV, must be observed. If there is a dished-in of the outside
quarter and toe, rasp or file it to a line from ground to coronet,
as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. Then, if more length is required
for the ground surface, let the shoe extend over the front part
of the hoof to meet the necessities of the case. The more the
foot winds or twists the greater the projection of shoe must be
over outside toe.

Fig. 100, on the following page, represents the pattern of
shoe designed for extrjeme cases of knee hitting, and shows ex-
tension of web over the rim of outside toe to prevent the inward
dipping of the foot as it leaves the ground, that carries it over
against the opposite limb in motion. Where the inside base of
the hoof can not be pared from toe to heel to bring the foot in
line with normal center of limb, carefully observe if pastern

208

SCIENTIFIC H0RSE8H()P:ING.

still inclines inward, and if
so, it must 1k' made to con-
torm to the right front line
by buildiiii,'- uji the inside
heel with a strip of sole
leathei' inserted under the
shoe, ccradualiv taperins^ it
oti' from the heel to a thin
edge forward to center of
toe, and then rivet on the
leather and affix the shoe.
On some occasions, as
Fig. 100. front foot shoe (uroi-nd .si-r- ^-here a horse cuts but one

FACE! FOR Sl'L.V Y-KOOTEU .\NU CHRU.Sie

KNKK-iiiTTiNG HORSES. ^ncc, it uiav bc fouud that

A, Inside branch. B, ( .utsick- branc-h. the foot on the injured limb

C, Kivet hole, for securing leather slips is out of balance, and not

when required to straighten the inside ,, ,i . i .i i •-.•

I , , *, .u f . V 1 1 • r the one that does the hittinff.
heel to place the foot level and in une &

with the center of limb. The dotted white In SUeh event the foot of the

line indicates extension of shoe over out- • .^^,g^ y^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^.

side toe of foot. '' °

properly leveled, may be

shod with pattern. Fig. 104. The efiect of this shoe will be to

turn or roll the limb out of the way of the other foot by means

of the outer V)evel on the outside toe. Or on removal of the old

shoe it can be made to answer the same purpose by welding a

toe calk on the inner side, about one inch from center of toe,

the calk to be one-fourth inch high by one inch long.

Forging or Clicking. — The habit of forging or clicking
peculiar to many horses may arise either from disproportionate
construction, or, which is most often the case, from improper
shoeing; and indeed, from my own personal observation, I am
led to believe that in many cases both causes may prevail at the
same time. As one example, a colt, pure-gaited, never before
shod, may be brought to me for shoeing, and I shoe him in ac-

FAULTY COXFORMATIOX AXD MOVEMENT. 209

cordance with my best judgment. Up(3u trial, he may begin to
forge or click at once, or possibly not until after a lapse of time.
Upon being brought back to me for a second examination and
another shoeing, I may be able to detect the fault at once ; pos-
sibly not, however, until after a third shoeing. It is evident,
therefore, supposing that I am competent in every way in my
handicraft, that if that colt continues, as we have above said, to
forge or click, that we must look for the cause in the animal
itself.

Upon examination it will be found that the fourteenth dor-
sal vertebrae (see skeleton. Fig. 2) is the pivot or axis around
which the weight is poised, being the center of gravitation. It
is plain, therefore, that if the symmetry of the horse be affected
either by disproportionate construction, by acquired faults or by
wrong shoeing, that his center of gravity is disturbed ; that is,
he is unbalanced. And such, in a word, is the general cause of
the fault under discussion.

The horse may be heavier in front than behind ; he may be
too upright in his shoulders ; he may be short in his pasterns.
His legs may be disproportionately long in comparison with his
length under the belly. lie may have long pasterns and be
unnaturally long in his sweeps behind, or close gaited behind,
due to his stifle standing in, his hocks standing out and his
toes inwardly inclined ; or he may carry his head too high or
too low.

Any one or more of these causes may have been present in
the example above given, and were brought out upon the first
shoeing. AYhen, therefore, a horse is found to be subject to
forging or clicking, the first and all-important thing is to deter-
mine how he is unbalanced and proceed to distribute equally
around the center of his gravitation the natural and acquired
weights he must carry, ^o general rule can be given for this.
In the cases above mentioned, one must rely upon his own judg-
ment and experience. I have had occasion many times to de-

210 SCIENTIP^IC HORSESHOEING.

terinine for myself practically the difi'erence in weight of the
fore and hind feet of horses, and having cut them off to the
coronet from the same horses and weighed them, have found
that tlie fore feet exceeded the weight of the hind feet on the
average of two and one-fourth to two and three-fourth ounces.
If now this difference liad been a cause of forging, it was ob-
viously my duty to adjust the difference in weight in the manner
which I should deem most expedient in restoring the horse to
his balance.

To treat successfully the liabit of forging or clicking, it is
necessary that the farrier should know fir?^t the gait at wliich
clicking occurs, and the proportions and structure, or build, of
the horse. The feet are then to be examined and the part of
tlie shoe struck by clickings marked. A skillful farrier will
then be able to determine the causes and the remedies for each.

If the horse hits the heel of the front foot, clij) off" the lieel
of that shoe on the angle of the foot on the ground surface. If
he hits on the inside web at the toe, take the weight out of toe
of shoe from quarters to toe on both sides, leaving the weight
from quarters to heel. If he hits on the outer quarter, put the
drop crease on the outside. If he hits on the inside web of
shoe, concave the shoe on the ground surface at the point
touched. If the head is carried low, check it up so as to lighten
the front part; if too high, check down with standing martin-
gales to add weight. If the breast collar is too low on the point
of shoulders, raise it up. If the propelling power behind is
too great for the front part, shoe with a five-ounce shoe heavier
behind than in front. If he forges at a certain gait, drive over
or under the gait. If the horse be a " dweller " with his front
feet, put on a double rolling-motion shoe, highest at the quar-
ters, gradually thinning the shoe from quarters to toe, then from
quarters to heel. The effect of such a shoe will be to quicken
his action in front.

The shoes designed for the hind feet should in all cases pro-

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 211

ject well back at the heels, having good, long-heel calkins.
The driver or farrier should be able to judge of the weight of
shoes to be used. I have used four-calkin hind shoes in many
cases with the best of results.

Speedy Cutting. — This is caused by the horse being un-
evenly balanced. Having more propelling power behind than
in front — that is, the front feet not being able to get out of the
way of the hind legs as they pass, the outside of the front foot
strikes and wounds the inside of the shin bone in the hind leg,
frequently causing much pain and soreness. It is termed " speedy
cutting," from happening while the horse is in rapid action. It
is an evident fact that all horses with bold, lofty knee action
are not speedy cutters. Those, however, who travel with a low,
gliding, forward movement, like Lady Thorne, are called " daisy
cutters," and are proverbially afflicted with speedy cutting in
rapid motion. To overcome this defect, it is necessary to equal-
ize the different actions of the parts by quickening that of the
front and slowing that of the hind. This can only be done in
shoeing.

As there are, however, but few trotting horses that can have
their toes shortened, since it would have a tendency to make
them double up or shorten their stride, I use for them a double
rolling-motion flat shoe, gradually thinning the shoe from
quarters to heel and from quarters to toe, wnth dropped crease
on the outer quarters. Such a shoe will allow the front foot to
land on its heels, roll over the toe more quickly, and get out of
the way of the hind legs. If the front feet or tendons are sore,
it would have a tendency to slow the front action of the horse
in landing, as he fears to hit the ground. In such cases shorten
the toe of the front foot as much as safety will permit, examine
the feet as well as the splint bones, for, if soreness is present,
it will have a tendency to retard the action in front. If the
horse is a long strider or dweller, apply the scoop-toed, rolling-

212 SCIENTIFIC HORSKSHOEIXG.

motion or the plain rolling-motion shoe, which, being rolled in
front, will assist the horse in getting over the toe of the foot
quickly, and thus get out of the way of the other parts. In
dressing the hind feet, lower the heels as much as safety will
permit, keeping the front part of the toes at the natural angle,
so as to have all the ground surface possible. A]»ply the shoe.
Fig. 13l>. 15y placing long heel calkins at the sides of the heels,
or allowing the shoe to extend at least one-half inch longer than
the heel of the f»ot, the down action of tlie flexor j)crforanP will
be lessened, and in a relative degree, the quick-up action of the
foot will also be lessened. The weiirht of the shoes to be worn
must be determined accurately liy the driver or jiroprietor.
I have often shod this class of trotting liorses with front
slioes weigliing eleven ounces, and with hind shoes weighing
fifteen ounces, before I could get them balanced and square in
their gait.

Running horses are more liable to obtain speedy cuts than
trotting liorses ; this is occasioned principally by the carrying
of weight upon their backs, the weight being placed more di-
rectly on their fi'ont legs than ou their hind ones. In plating
running horses to overcome this ditiiculty, level and straighten
the front feet, having the heels and frog of an even bearing
when the feet are placed on the ground ; shoe with thin three-
quarter tips, beveling the outside of the plate from the ground
to the sole-bearing surface, so as to obviate the possibility of
the leg being cut by the shoe in passing. The punishment of
speedy cutting is oftentimes so severe that the race is lost by the
horse being unable to withstand it without his speed being re-
tarded more or less.

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting. — In ankle or shin cutting,
it will generally be observed that the ankles are tilted inward-
Cutting often depends weakness or leg weariness, and is liable
to happen to horses when driven long distances or when they

FAULTY COXFORMATIOX AND MOVEMENT.

213

are carrying heavy shoes. Contraction and also soreness in the
splint bones will cause a horse to cut, which almost always is the
result of improper shoeing and bad management of the feet.
All can be stopped by properly leveling and balancing the foot,
and the appliance of a suitable shoe. When the position of the
foot is faulty, it must be ob-
vious that the remedy con-
sists in altering its improper
position and straightening
it, as much as can be accu-
rately done, according to
the instructions given with
Fig. 23, Chap. IV.

When the toe is the
part which inflicts the wound
use a square-toed shoe like
No. 147, shown in case of
shoes, page 286. This will
let the foot break over the
toe square, and in straight

Fig. 101. FRONT foot four calkin shoe,

TO BE USED FOR THE RELIEF OF SORENESS
IN THE FLEXOR PERFORANS, OR CASES OP

ffoins" or close-o"aited horses quarter crack, where toe and heel

^ CALKINS ARE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS FOR

SORENESS AT THE TOE AND FOR SPLIT FOOT
IN FRONT.

the foot will generally pass
the knee without hittina;.

Sprains of the Ten-

To be beveled from A, A, to B ; also
from C, C, to wall-bearing surface at heel.
A, A, Front toe calks to be beveled off on
dons. — As its name implies, ground surface to front of toe at B,

this complaint is an injury ^' ^' ^^^^ '^^^' ^°„bj^ beveled from
^ '' '' ground surface to wall-bearing surface.

to the back sinew, from the

effects of overtaxation. Work-horses are liable to become so
affected, though it occurs more frequently in the running and
trotting horses, by reason of their immense strides, the force of
which has a tendency — when prolonged to a certain extent —
to cause the tendons to become swollen and inflamed.

For horses suffering with sore tendons, the four-calkin roll-

214 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

ing motion shoe, illustrated on the preceding page, will be found
a successful remedy.

The shoe should extend well back at the heels, the calkins
being at least one-half inch higher at the heels than at the sides
of the toe, where it should be well beveled on the ground sur-
face, in order that the horse may be enabled to "get over " the
toe of his foot with but little strain on the flexor perforans.

I have also found the scoop-toed rolling-motion shoe very
successful in the cases of trotting and running horses. The feet
should always be well leveled and straightened, and the toes
shortened as much as safety will [»ermit. A preliminary appli-
cation of warm-water bandages may be found beneficial.

Elbow and Arm Cutting. — AVhen a horse has too much
freedom in the action of the knee of his fore leg, which causes
it to bend under him, when lifted, in such a manner as to strike
and bruise the limb, it is called elbow or arm cutting. To over-
come this difliculty, the heel of the foot should be pared as low
as it can be safely done. The toe, on the contrary, should be
left long. The shoe should be light, for the lighter the shoe the
less liability there is of the elbow or arm being cut. The web
of the shoe should be narrow, especially from the quarters to
the toe. The shoe should be well concaved on its ground sur-
face, from the heel to the toe, particularly so in the case of
horses who cut or hit the arm or elbow with the heel. (It may
here be observed that the greater number of horses cut their
elbows with the toe.)

Adjustable Toe Weight. — The devices next shown in Figs.
102 and 103, for balancing the action of horses lias many features
which will recommend it to attention. I have used it for many
years, and it has proven to give satisfaction in all cases. The
following is the method of adjusting it to the foot :

FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AND MOVEMExVT.

215

In case the horse's
stride is short, place the
weight over No. 4, as
shown in diagram ; by
so doing, the weight is
at the extremity of the
toe and muscle of the
arm. In case one foot
is longer in the stride
than the other, place
the weight on the short
striding foot over N^o.

Fig. 102. adjustable toe weight.

A, Ground surface of drop-crease shoe attached
4, and on the long strid- ^^ f^ot. 1, 2, 3, 4, Points to which weight is ad-

ing foot over ISTo. 3. justed.
Drive the horse, and if the
stride is not equal place the
weight on the long striding
foot over letter 2. Drive
the horse a few days, and if
this does not have the de-
sired effect, and his stride is
not equal, place a weight on
the short striding foot at
No. 4, two or three ounces
heavier than the other. The
great success of this weight
depends on the skillfulness t^,^ m?

r t IG. 103. GROUND TREAD OF SHOE SHOWN

of the driver to properly in Fig. 102 to prevent arm and elbow

1. , ., . T cutting.

adjust it so as to equalize

the stride of the horse. A, Toe calk around the curve of shoe

A ,1 ,1 in front to be from IV in. to | in. high.

Another great advan- -d-d-d-du i j- -^

® B, B, B, B, Bevel around inner rim of

tage of this weight is that shoe and on outside at heels. C, Spur in

you can give the horse foot ^'"^°* ^^ ^^^^ carrying weight, as shown

on side view, Fig. 81. D, D, Inner fac(^
action or take it away, by of toe weight.

o

21(3

SCIENTIFIC HOKSKSHOKING.

the raising or lou'eriiiij:; of
the weiirhts on the foot. By
placing both weights over
No. 1, the weiglits, being
jihu-eJ over the center of the
foot, will prevent the foot
from bending or doubling at
the toe, and will stop the
worst cases of elbow and
arm cutting.

Ankle, Shin and Knee
Fig. 104. kight front foot shoe, to pre- Hitting. — As a rule horses

VENT ANKLE, SHIN AND KNEE HITTING. u- . l l •. 1 j.1

., . , , so aiiected, lilt one leg or the

C, Starting point of bevel at center of ^

toe to a thin feather edge at B, then other by striking it with the
gradually lessening the bevel around the opposite foot from the point
outside rim of shoe to A. /- i • • i

of the inside toe to al)Out

the heel nail. V>y beveling oti" the shoe on the outside rim,

therefore, as shown in Fig. 104,
from C to B, at middle of toe,
to A, at last nail hole, will pre-
vent anv tliincr like an inward
dip as the foot leaves the
ground, and will cause the
ankle and knee to be carried
outward from the opposite foot
and thus avoid becoming
bruised or cut.

Fiii". 105 shows a hind foot
shoe intended for extreme
cases of ankle hitting, where

Fig. 105. left hind foot shoe for ^-^^ ^iorsQ hits with the inside

point of the toe. This occurs
^.^Ij-Jq with horses that stand in the

ANKLE HITTING.

A, Inside toe calkin. B, Inside heel

FAULTY CONFORMATIOX AXB MOVEMENT.

217

faulty position illustrated in Fig. 95, Ko. 5, having tlieir hocks
turned outwardly and consequently their toes turned in. In
this case, a toe-calk should be placed on the inside, at the strik-
ing point of the foot, and also a side heel calkin. This will
prevent any thing like an inward dip as the foot leaves the
ground, and sufficient to carry it beyond the ankle of ^the oppo-
site foot.

Speed Shoes. — This variation from the ordinary bar shoe
was designed to close up the hind action, where the movement

was so wide that, at full speed,
the horse frequently would strike
his hocks in passing, and more
frequently tear oiF the hind hock
boots. When shod with this
shoe, the shoe being on the in-
side of the wall, this excessive
straddling was obviated and the
hocks wore at once relieved of
their boots. The more the foot
is raised on the inside, the closer
becomes the hind action. A,
shows the bar across the frog,
from heel to toe. B,B, B, shows
rivet holes, through which to
fasten the leather padding be-
tween the shoe and the wall. C,
indicates the heel calkin, and J) the outside section of the wall.
The shoe may be forged as light as the hind action may require,
and it makes a neater finish to cut the leather padding to the
inside and outside margin of the shoe and bar, after it has been
nailed to the foot. When made and fitted according to these
instructions, not only will hock interference be avoided, but the

Fig. 106. bar shoe — variation for
c'oriiectixg wide movement.

A, Bar across frog.

218

SCIENTIFIC IIOKSKSHOEING.

speed of the horse decideelly increased and his endurance greatly
extended.

This shoe has been so beneficial to speed that I have termed
it the " Record Breaker."
As the liorse increases his
spee<l, he changes liis
ijait, and as no one style
of shoe was known which
would be suitable to all
gaits, I invented this shoe
for a low-o^aited horse
such as Xancy Hanks.
My theorv is that the
thinner the shoe is, the
lon<rer will be the stride ;
the lighter tbe shoe, the
lighter the footfall. The
wider the web, the less

Fig. 107. record breaker — front shoe.

Fig. 108. record breaker — hind

SHOE.

the shoe sinks in the ground,
and the less liable the foot is
to cup and slip l)ack as it leaves
the ground. This shoe is cut
in grooves straight from toe to
heel, about three-sixteenths of
an inch deep. This will pre-
vent the foot from slipping
sideways. The grooves cut
sidcwavs and at riijht ansrles
to the former will prevent the
foot from slipping backward
as it leaves the ground. Judg-
ing from my experience in
shoeing speed horses, slipping
sideways is very tiresome, and

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT.

219

therefore in affording a horse a firm foothold, as the foot lands
upon and leaves the ground, he is inspired with great confi-
dence, he can hold his speed from start to finish more uniformly,
and he will win many a race which he would have lost when
wearing the common, old style of flat shoes.

With this style of hind shoe, it will be impossible for the
hind foot to slip backward or sideways, as it lands upon or
leaves the ground. The hind legs are mainly the propelling
powers of the horse. This shoe, as will be seen, is cut in dia-
mond shapes on the ground tread. The cuts are to be made
three-sixteenths of an inch deep. This style of shoe is adapted
to horses with long pasterns. In my experience I have found it
to be of decided advantage to the horse with long pasterns to
shoe him behind with a long extension of a shoe backward.
The shoe then serves as a brace or stay to support the back
tendons.

In shoeing a speed horse, we must be governed by the
length of the pastern, and use such a shoe as will suit and assist

his gait and footfall. If the
pastern is long, let the shoe
extend back of the heel;
if it is short and upright,
let the shoe extend just the
length of the heel.

This shoe (Fig. 109) is
designed for a horse with a
long pastern. In some cases
small heel calks can be
turned upon the heels, as
slipping sideways when he
lands, or backward when
the foot leaves the ground,
is very tiresome. The scoop
commencing at the toe, as

Fig. 109. record breaker — hind shoe,

15

WITH GRAB TOE.

A to B, Scoop.

220

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

A, shouM be gradually thinned down to the inner edge, JJ, thus
leaving a sharp cateli at the toe. I have used this shoe on
hard tracks with the best of success; liave known the 8li[)pinir
defect, generally confined to the hind feet, to be reduced to a
miriinium, and the s}>eed on a hard track increased from one to
three seconds.

The importance of this shoe can not be overstated. Its use
is to prevent the foot from slipping backward, thus tending to
strain the tendons as well as to produce the knee-sprung
troubles. The toe of
this shoe is gradu-
ally beveled to a thin
edge from the outer
to the inner surface
of the shoe, and
when this shoe is
worn by speed horses
it prevents the front
foot from slipping
backward as it leaves
the ground. I use
this style of shoe on
speed horses for sore

tendons and the Fig. no. imphovkd grab shoe, a, Ground tread
knee-sprung defect. °^ ^^'^^^ ^' ^' '^'^^ ^^ leather-heel of toe.

This shoe can be made as light as the foot requires, as well as
the leg and the gait of the horse. All horses that are sore in
the back tendons require elevation at the heels to relieve the
sore tendon at each footfall. Take thick sole leather and rivet
on shoe where rivet holes show in shoe, at heels and quarters.
Then cut the leather out on inside of shoe, thus lightening its
weight. Afterward gradually remove the leather by commenc-
ing to thin it from the heels down to a feather edge at the toe,
on each side of quarters. By so doing the heels will be ele-

FAULTY CGXFORMATION AXD MOVEMENT.

221

vated and the sore tendons greatly relieved. B, B, shows how
leather is to be tapered from heel up to toe ; C, shows the
leather and o^round tread of shoe. The use of this shoe will
afford the greatest ease and comfort to the horse at each foot-
fall, when up to speed. The elevation with the leather must be
governed by circumstances, some inflamed tendons requiring
more than others.

Shoes for Quarter Crack. — The illustration herewith is a
side view of foot and pasterns, with lower part of cannon bone,
the foot properly balanced and the bar shoe illustrated in Fig.
112 nailed to the foot. This style of bar shoe I designed for

quarter crack where toe
and heel calkins were rd
quired. Quarter crack is
one of the many diseases
which horses are subject-
ed to who travel day in
and out upon artificially
paved streets and roads.
The illustration of this
particular case would not
do for all cases, of course.
This style of shoe, how-
ever, will illustrate this
case, and be a guide to
any others which may
come to the attention of
the reader.

In this instance, the
reader will turn his at-
tention first to the Fig.
Ill, showing side view
of the shoe shown on the

.,c

' // / / / ///// ////

<llllllillllllllllllllllllliPillll!lll[|l|i|IH C

TirA

r

ITT

Fig. 111.

SHOE FOR QUARTER CRACK, SET ON
WELL-BALANCED FOOT.

A, Toe calk.
break the jar.

B, B, Heel calkins set to

222

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING .

Fig. 112.

foot. Second illustration

bIiows the shoe, ground

tread and toe calkin, and

third shows the wall bearing

and where shoe is beveled

to avoid the quarter crack.
The rule of making the

shoe is to bevel it from wall

bearing wherever it comes

opposite a quarter crack on

the foot. This will prevent

dirt from weds:! nor in l)e-

tween the shoe and the wall

of the foot, and at each foot-
fall the dirt will jar out.

A clip is required for draft horses.

In paritig the foot, bear in mind always to pare the outer

edges of the quarter crack as deep as the sensitive laminae.

After paring the loot and fitting the shoe, rivet a piece of sole

leather to the shoe, covering
bottom of the foot, at three
rivet holes, as in illustration
(Fig. 113). Before nailing
the shoe to the foot, take
fat pickled pork, fill the bot-
tom of foot with long slices
thereof, pressing them well
into the commissures with
the hand. After nailing the
shoe to the foot, take Tiecipe
No. 2 made warm ; dip cot-
ton into the salve, cover the
afi'ected parts well with the
Fig. 113. A, Clip on point of shoe. salve and cotton. Then

FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT.

223

bandage the cotton to the foot and stand the feet in the soak-
ing tub, with warm water six to eight inches deep, for one or
two hours. After taking the horse out of the soaking tub, bet-
ter apply the soaking swabs around the pastern, kept wet with
warm water, for a few days. I have cured the worst cases with
this shoe and treatment, and worked the horse daily.

Fig. 114 shows a special shoe for quarter crack for running

horses. I have been very
successful with this, using
it upon running horses
where, in their early
stages, they can not run
up to their full speed,
shod with bar shoes. The
shoe is very easily made,
as can be noted in the il-
lustration, by bending, as
at C. In paring the foot,
the wall or horn should
be removed so as to allow
the shoe to set snugly up
to the foot, as shown in
the diao;ram. Placing
nails in the heel of shoe
will hold the wall of
the foot permanently as
the horse springs over
the toe in his forward
movement. Fig. 114, open shoes; A, A, ground tread; B, B,
wall bearing ; C, set-off in shoe. Side view of foot shows : A,
quarter crack; B, shoe set off in front of the ground tread
of quarter crack. A full front view of this shoe is given in the
illustration in case of shoes, page 284, iSTo. 103. After placing
this shoe upon the foot, use my foot salve, white cotton being

lniii|iillllJi|llliiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiMiiiiiiii»iH|iiiiiiiiii|iiiii|i/' ' - —

Fig. 114. shoe for quarter crack.
A, Quarter crack. B, Shoe.

224

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

saturated with it, large enough to cover atlected parts, warm
and apply the salve. Place also a good linen, handage around
the coronet and under tlie heels, so as to hold the dressing
firmly to the atfected parts, and heat in well with a warm iron.
Stand the foot in the soaking tuh filled Vv'ith warm water six
inches deep, for one or two hours, and afterward use the soak-
ing swahs around the pasterns and foot. Keep well wet with
warm water for a few days, or until the soreness disappears.

• This shoe is designed for (juarter crack, where neither toe
nor heel calkins are required. This treatment I have used with
unvarying success in the case of speed horses that have bsen
driven over liard tracks
and roads. If horses'
feet are kept }>roperly
balanced, the wall pliable
and flexible, and the hoof
shod with shoes suited to
the work required, there
will be little danger of
quarter crack. The treat-
ment is as follows : In
old, long-standing cases,
one side of the wall will
overlap the other. In
such instance, remove all
the fractured and loose
wall as deep as the podo-
phyllous tissues. Be care-
ful not to draw blood.
The shoe is set down to
half its thickness in front
of the crack, being grad-

alK^ drawn thinner as the

A, A, "Wall removed under crack. B,

heel is approached. Then Quarter crack

Fig. 115. side view of hoof prepared,
bala>xed, axdshod for quarter crack,
where no toe nor heel calkins are
required.

FAULTY CONFOKMATlO^r AND MOVEMENT.

225

punch two small nail holes
in heel of shoe, as shown in
diagram. The shoe should
lie easily on the wall back
of the quarter crack. After
the foot has been shod apply
the foot salve and remedy
as heretofore prescribed.
Cover the quarter crack and
the coronet with the white
cotton thoroughly saturated
with the salve. Apply the
linen bandage well around
the whole foot, so as to hold
the dressing to the wounded
parts. Warm the salve in

well with the iron, made warm for this purpose. Observe

these instructions and a permanent cure can be effected.

Fig. 116 is a front view of a shoe which I have used in

a great many cases of quarter crack with most satisfactory

results.

Fig. 116. shoe for qttartek crack.
A, Set-oflf, one-half thickness. "

Rate of Speed, of Trotters and Pacers. — I give here a
table showing the distance covered per second by a horse when
going at speeds varying from a 2:00 to a 2:30 gait. The table
given is believed to be a substantially correct compilation of the
figures.

It will be noticed that in the distance covered by the horse
when going at a rate of speed of from 2:30 to 2:20 there is an
approximate increase of three inches per second for each addi-
tional second's lowering of the speed rate, while in the speed
rate between 2:10 and 2:00 the increase amounts to four and
one-tenth inches per second. A horse going a mile in two
minutes would distance Martha Wilkes, Palo Alto and Maud S.,

226

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

and have something to spare, and w ould leave Xancy Hanks
and Mascot, the fleetest of the present day, ahout seven lengtlis
to the rear. Eailroad express train, one mile a minute, eighty-
eight feet u second, is a good comparison.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 227

CHAPTER IX.
SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

ITS PURPOSE AND SCOPE DELINEATED.

The special purposes of shoeing will be considered under
this head as applying to " all sorts and conditions '' of feet —
especially defective and diseased conditions — for which certain
merits are claimed for many difierent styles of shoes, in remedy-
ing or curing the special defects against which they are directed.
No one need be told that in operating upon feet of this kind,
the highest discretion of the farrier is called upon, for it is not
the application of a given style of shoe to the foot in a given
way, but it is the scientific adaptation of a special kind of shoe,
varied for special purposes, to suit difierent conditions of the
foot, with a view of securing certain beneficial results. Thus
regarded, this section of my subject becomes withal one of the
most interesting phases of all the branches of shoeing.

There are a large number of artificers who make horseshoe-
ing a profession, who ofier convincing testimony of having
mastered the principles of their art (as proved by their skill
in this department of it), that I should doubtless have made an
exception in their fiwor in my strictures on the careless bun-
glers who belittle the importance of the profession and unmake
the well-deserved reputations of the more finished artists in the
business.

228 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

In the development of that '• paraxon of horseflesh " — the
trotter — the matter of shoeing for s[>ecitic purposes has received
more attention at the hands of all classes of men, and has made
more progress and achieved greater triumphs in American than
in any other land.

This is a department of the farrier's art that ranks with
the best and most ingenious of other mrchanical arts, and is
justly entitled to the highest praise that can be bestowed
upon it.

T have devised manv different stvles of shoes admirablv ef-
fective for leveling and perfecting the action and the gait of
horses, as well as for removing the cause and thereby healing
the etfect of various foot ailments, but as many of them are
applicable — in a large measure — to horses used solely for speed
purposes, any attempt at a comjilete classilication at this time is
precluded by the limits assigned for this work. I will, therefore,
confine myself to a selection of such patterns as may be re-
garded the most useful for the purpose in view, though the next
succeeding chapter will contain an assembly of one hundred
and seventy other forms of shoes, all enumerated and described
for convenient reference.

"When rightly made and applied as directed, any of these
shoes will prove potent auxiliaries in assisting to relieve the
faults or troubles for which they are especially designed or in-
tended, as explained in each instance — and this applies to the
higher breeds of horses, as well as to others whose lot is cast in
the humbler, if more useful walks of life.

Any correspondence or inquiries addressed to me relative
to the matters in question, will receive prompt and careful at-
tention at niv hands.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

229

Fig. 117. original centennial shoe,
designed by s. t. harris.

Centennial Shoe, No. 1. —

Fig. 117, is one of the many
I exhibited at the Centennial
Exposition at Philadelphia in
1876. It was designed by Mr.
S. T. Harris, of Cincinnati.
The shoe derives its name from
the year in which it was in-
nted and exhibited, and it
has been in use a long time,
with very gratifying success.

It conforms more to the
shape of the foot than any shoe
ever used. The wings. A, A,
bear evenly on the bars of the foot, aflbrding the greatest pos-
sible bearing surface to the heels, and serve to distribute equally
over the whole ground surface of the foot the concussion sus-
tained, which, by reason of the position of the heels, is greatest
at this point.

After the Centennial shoe has been worn for a few davs and
then removed from the foot, the inclination and position of the
wings afford a useful and valuable deduction. The question
has long been mooted among writers and farriers, w^hat part of
the foot expands the hoof, whether the wall, the bars, or the
frog. Eminent authorities have given this active agency in turn
to each one of the members I have mentioned, but the inclina-
tion of the wings of a worn Centennial shoe indicates an active
agency of the bars in co-operating with the other parts of the
foot that have not heretofore received adequate consideration.
The wings of the shoe not only fall out in their bearings to the
extreme points of the bars, but they are careened outwardly, the
inside branches being higher than the outside branches, thus
showing by their outward inclination that the bars have an ac-
tive and constant agency in keeping the foot normally expanded.

230

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

As a hoof expander, therefore, we derive from the Centennial
shoe one of its most valuable uses.

Centennial Shoe, No. 2.
— Fig. 118. This shoe, also
exhibited at the Centennial
Exposition, conforms as closely
as possible to the natural shape
of the hoof, and jtlaces the
pressure just where nature de-
mands. Especially is it bene-
ficial to the trotting horse that
requires toe weights to balance
his actions, because it is heavy
in front and operates power-

. . . Fig. lis. MODIFIEn FORM CENTENNIAL

fully in assisting the extensor toe-weight shoe, i.e.siuned by s. t.

to lengthen the stride. When h.\rris.

a shoe of this pattern weighing A, A, Bevel around inner rim of

sixteen ounces is lifted bv the

shoe on ground surface. B, B, (irooves

at heels to obtain bar i)ressure.
heel, it seems to weigh at least

two pounds. The inner rim on ground surface is to be well

concaved, as shown by letters. A, A, the heels to be swedged

out with a round, blunt, fullering tool, as show^n in B, B, so as

to get good heel and bar pressure.

In applying this style of shoe to a horse inclined to mix and
shift his gait, bear in mind to leave a long toe. Three nails in
each quarter is sufficient to hold the shoe to the foot. This shoe
will produce most satisfactory results, if properly applied.

Centennial Shoe, No, 3. — Fig. 119, on next page, is another
modified form of the Centennial shoe before described, and with
the others was exhibited by me at the Centennial Exposition.
It is more easily made, yet embraces the same principle of bar
pressure. It can be made from any ordinary flat shoe, the wings
to be swedged out solidly by means of a blunt, round, fullering

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

231

tool, until they extend over
the bars, as shown at A, A, A^
A. This style of shoe I con-
sider to be of especial advan-
tage to recover the wiring-in
of the crusts at the heels. By
following the wall close up to
the sides of the frog, it obtains
strong bar pressure, and gives
the frog free access to the
ground. If the sole of the foot
evinces a tendency to be flat
Fig. 119. another modified form and tender, it is quite necessary

CENTENNIAL SHOE, DESIGNED BY S. T. , x ^ -x r • • x-i

to protect it trom iniury until

HARRIS. ^ >> J

A, A, A, A, Grooves deepening and it becomes strong. The only
widening toward sole-bearing surface, ^ay in which this can be done

is by adding to the web in the shoe. As the sole gradually re-
news itself and becomes thicker, reduce the width of the shoe.
In two or three shoeings, the foot will become strong, when the
narrow-webbed shoe may
be resorted to.

Fig. 120. To make shoe,
take a steel bar 1^ by f
inches, of twice the length
from center of the toe to
either heel — otherwise suf-
ficiently long to extend the
required distance round
the foot. Strike a center
at a point half the length
from toe to heel on each
side. Then with a chisel,
cut down through the ^^°- ^-^- ^^'«^° ^^^^^^ «^« «^«^' ™

REDUCE CONCUSSION AND SOFTEN THE STROKE

middle of bar each way — of footfall.

232

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

siopping at a j)oint to leave material enough where the ends of
the wings unite with the shoe, then cut ofi the surplus stock in
center to leave the wings of the desired length, beginning at a
distance from each end, equal to the length of the wings de-
sired, and continue to the required distance from the ends of
the bars.

Taper the wings from heels to points and bend the shoe to
the form of the foot. Make the wings cotiform to the shape of
the frog. Then lit the shoe to the foot, springing the wings
gradually from heels to points and leaving them standing one-
half inch below face of shoe. I have tested this shoe on horses
that were quite sore and lame, the shoe being made of cast steel,
the bars being sprung down from the lieel to their points on the
ground surface about one-half inch ; this will soften and mellow
the jar. The shoe, being v.'ell tempered, will allow the bars to
spring with the horse's weight,
and will be found one of the
best devices possible to soften
and relieve the efiects of con-
cussion when the horse is ten-
der in foot or tendons, as well
as to quicken the action in
trotting, leaving the frog free
and unimpeded to perform its
important functions of cushion-
ing the foot and shielding the
sensitive parts from injury.

The benefit of this shoe

can only be obtained on hard Fig. 121. front foot scoop-toe, roll-
ing MOTION SHOE.

roads or tracks.

Fiff 121 This shoe can be ^' ^' <^o™™e^cement of scoop on

= ■ ' ' each side of toe. B to C, Direction of

readily made. It begins to be scoop from out to in. C, Point where

gradually thinned on the face ^coop is deepest D to D, Bevel from
*- " ground surface to wall-bearing surface

at A, A, until the centers at on each heel.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

233

Fig. 122. front foot shoe, known
as the " goldsmith maid bar shoe,"
heart-sunken and drop-creased,

Fig. 123. front foot shoe, to lessen

KNEE action, SHORTEN THE STRIDE, AND
TO PREVENT FORGING.

A, A, Concave on ground surface
around toe. B, B, B, B, Concave on
ground surface around quarters. C, C,
Outer ground surface to be kept flush
■with face of shoe.

B, C, are reached, when on
its outer edge, it should be
not more than two-thirds its
origi-nal thickness, dipping
deeper inwardly toward C,
where it should be quite
thin. The efiect of this will
be to lessen the ground sur-
face of the foot, and quicken
the action of the fore legs.
This shoe will also be found
beneficial for horses sore in
the toes and tendons.

Fig. 122. This shoe is
applicable for a number of
diseases of the foot, such as
weak and bruised heels,
quarter cracks, etc. It is
also used extensively among
trotting horses, the shoes be-
ing reduced down so light,
they serve to keep the shoe
from spreading on the foot,
when the horse is in violent
action. By having the bar
set down below the face of
the shoe, it serves the same
purpose as an open shoe.
This style of shoe is quite
beneficial for lono:-stridina:
horses, as they land mostly
on the heels, and bv bavins^
the shoe thinned well back
at the heel, it will prevent

234

SCIENTIFIC HORSKSIIOKIXC.

the foot from becoming bruised. I believe that an occasional
change to the open shoe will be beneficial in giving the foot
more active use of the frog.

Fig. 123, on the opposite page, illustrates a front foot shoe
designed to prevent forging, to lessen knee action and shorten
the stride.

1. For forging, if the hind foot hits under the toe, cli}> out
in the toe as shown in the foregoing diagram. Lessening the
weight from quarters to the toe will allow the horse to get his
foot quicker out of the road of the hind foot, thus preventing
this defect.

2. If the horse has too much knee action and stride, taking
the weight from toe, as shown opposite, lessens the stride and
knee action and serves to equalize the gait.

In either case the shoe is to be gradually thickened from A,
A, to the heels. By so doing the front foot will be assisted in
getting out of way of the
hind foot,andwhere the hind
foot hits up under the toe,
forging will be prevented.

Fig. 124. Horses that
paddle do so by reason of
the faulty position of the
leg and foot. Paddling con-
sists in springing from the
inside toe when the foot
leaves the ground, causing
it to swing out from the
body. The shoe (Fig. 124)
was designed to assist nature
in equalizing the weight,
through the axis of the leg
and foot, and is shown here
from the ground side.

Fig. 124. improved non-paddling
front foot shoe, designed by s. t.

HARRIS.

Bevel outer rim of slioe from inner
A to a thin edge at outer B, gradually
diminishing the bevel to outer A, back
of the quarter.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

235

To prevent paddling, place as wide a web upon the inside
branch of shoe as the foot will admit of. The inside branch
of the shoe to be beveled from the ground surface on the angle
of the foot from toe to heel. The outside branch is to be made as
light as possible. Commence to bevel from A to B, to be car-
ried to B to a thin edge, as shown in diagram. This shoe has
given uniform satisfaction wherever used as I have directed.

Fig. 125. I use this shoe
for knee sprung and sore ten-
dons. It can be made of any
thickness or width to suit. In-
asmuch as elevation gives re-
lief to knee sprung and sore
tendons, thickness at the heels
must be judged of according
to the necessities of the case.
Select the bar required and
bend it around center, shape
both sides of toes and quarters,
Fig. 125. rolling motion shoe no. 1. gradually narrowing the bar

edgewise from center of toe to
heel.

for knee sprung and sore tendons.

A, A, A, A, Bevel on heel of shoe
from ground surface to wall-bearing.
B,B, Bevel from inner to outer surface As the bar diminishes in

of ground-bearing, as shown. ^-^^j^ -^ increases in thickness

toward the heels. Then commence at inner B, gradually bevel-
ing to outer B, extending as far back as shown in diagram Oin
both sides of quarters. As the web at the toe shortens on the
ground surface, the thickness at the heels gives elevation.
The beveling from inner to outer web lessens the ground surface
of the shoe. This shoe, when properly made and adjusted, is
the best I have ever used for sprung knee and sore tendons.

Fig. 126. The shoe on the opposite page I use for laminitis,
quarter crack, split hoof, bruised heels, contracted feet and
tender-footedness ; and it has always given the best satisfaction.
16

236

SCIEXTIFIC HOKSESIIOEIXG.

Fig. iL'f). KOLLINQ MOTION SHOE NO. 2,
FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES, AS DESCRinED.

The slioe is made in this
way : Take a bar of the re-
(juired width and thickness
and bend it. Shape both sides
from too to lieel. Commence
beveling on outer surface, the |
bevel gradually diminishing ai
the inside web of shoe. Ex-
tend this operation from toc
to heel on ground surface. In-
crease the web of shoe in pro-
portion as the ground surface
re(juires to be shortened.

The effect of this shoe on rp , , , , ,, , ,

lo be beveled all around on ground

the foot will be to lessen the surface, from inside lo outside of web,
ground surface, breaking the ^^ shown.

jar at each footfall, bringing the foot more under the leg, and al-
lowing it to roll easily, in the forward movement at point of toe.

Fig. 127. Although roll-
ing-motion shoes i!^08. 1 and
2 wnll prevent trippiug and
8tuni])ling, all horses can
not travel with ease and
comfort when wearing a full
rolling-motion shoe. For
such cases, therefore, I de-
signed shoe. Fig. 127. I have
elsewhere stated that stumb-
ling will arise from straight
shoulders, short, upright pas-
terns, high heels and carry-
ing the head low. The more
Fig. 127. front foot shoe, to prevent gt^ffness and soreness there

STUMBLING AND GIVE GRACEFUL KNEE AC-
TION, j^ apnarent, the higher the

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 237

foot is to be raised from the ground to prevent the toe tripping
or stumbling.

To make the shoe, cut a bar of the required width and
thickness, and shape the shoe from toe to heel, making quarters
the same as an ordinary shoe. Next, take a round, blunt full-
ering tool, and scoop out at points A, A, gradually thinning
from inside web to outside web. After swedging, clip oft' with
ii chisel the surplus to the circle of the foot; then hot-rasp the
outer rim of shoe, leaving the ground surface as seen in the
preceding diagram.

If Fig. 127 is properly made, and the foot placed on its
natural angle, the worst cases of tripping and stumbling can be
prevented.

If calkins are required for winter use, set the toe calk well
back from the front of shoe, and weld on side heel calkins.

This style of shoe can be successfully employed in giving
the horse graceful knee action, as it will allow the toe to break
over quickly and an increase of weight will cause the muscles
of the limbs and shoulders to be brought more into play in lift-
ing the feet from the ground.

Another shoe to accomplish the same result is the four-cal-
kin shoe, made as described and shown in Fig. 101 ; both shoes
will give a sprightly down grade style of action.

To increase hock action, if front shoes weigh 20 ounces
each, make hind shoes 18 ounces or in that proportion, for in-
creased or diminished weight. Any ordinary shoe will answer
the purpose for the hind feet, by having increased weight in shoe
the reflex action of picking up the foot is increased, which
causes the hock to bend more and lift the foot higher from
the ground, and the graceful eftect is heightened with increase
of speed.

Fig. 128. By shoeing with the style of shoe on the opposite
page — properly made and applied — the weight being principally
in the toe, at the extremities of the muscles, the action will be

238

SCIEN T I F I C 1 1 ORSES 1 1 ( ) F I N ( ; .

FlQ. IL'S. FRONT FOOT SHOE, FOR BALAN'CING
AND SQUARING THE ACTION AND GAIT OF
HORSES, WHEN INCLINED TO HACK OR PACE
AND SHUFFLE.

squared ami balaiicoil. In
order that the shoe may
liave the desired eti'eet,
the quarters must be well
concaved from the ground
surface. In proportion^
then, as the weight is les-
sened in the (quarters, the
toe of the shoe will be
relatively lieavier. This
shoe can be used to quicken
the horse's action bv being
rolled on the ground sur-
face. 1 have used it with
the most satisfactory re-
sults.

Fig. 129. This shoe is intended only for slow work in gait-
icg horses. If the shoe be made according to the instructions

following, and head checked
down with standing martin-
gale, as described in Chap. V,
page 110, balancing the action
if horses, a pacer that never
-truck a trot will trot at once.
To make the shoe, select a
;iar of iron one-half inch
thick, and shajie the toe and
quarters, then with a chisel cut
from center of quarters, leav-
ing one-half inch thickness at
toe. Graduallv draw the shoe
Fio. 12«». IMPROVED TOE-wEiGiiT SHOE, thinner from toe to heel ; cut
A, A, Insertion Tor the frog. ^^ j^ j^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^lie frog.
B, B, B, B, Concave on ground sur- t) -o t5 "d

face. The inner edges, ii, 13, i>, ±5^

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

239

are to be made concave on ground surface, and just in propor-
tion as the quarters and heels are lightened, weight is to be
added to the toe. A shoe of this pattern will assist the horse
in the extension of his stride more than any other shoe made
in the ordinary way and weighing thirty ounces.

I have never failed to make a pacer trot, if shod in this
manner.

Fig. 130. I use this shoe
for founder, laminitis, ring-
bone, and anchylosis.

For founder, the bottom of
the foot should be pared quite
thin ; and after the shoes are
nailed on, stand the horse in
soaking-tubs filled with warm
water, for half a day, then ap-
ply hot poultices to the bottom
of the feet.

For laminitis, bear in mind

Fig. 130. itront foot turn-table ^o keep all pressure from the
SHOE, FOR ANCHYLOSIS, LAMINITIS OR toc, aud kecp up thc liot Water

FOUNDER, VILLITIS, AND RINGBONE. , , ,

A, A, Bevel of toe to B. C, C, Bevel
from quarters to heels, D, D. E, Cen-
ter of plate, \h in. wide by h in. thick,
welded on center of quarters and ta-
pering each way to P, P, P, P, the

treatment same as
mended for founder.

For ring-bone, keep the
foot pared as low as can be

center at E being the highest point by safely done. Ring-bone causes
I in. to i in. on which the horse must ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ j^.^ ^^^^
stand squarely poised.

and this shoe will greatly assist

in getting over the toe as well as turning around — allowing the

foot to roll with an easy sort of rocker motion, and with but

little strain on the afiected parts. I have never failed to make

a horse travel well on hard roads. The horse can turn himself

around as easily as though on a turn-table.

240

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIXG.

1

I

il/\

B

,Vv

If A^

Fig. 131. double roller shoe.
A, A, Sole bearing of tlie .';lioe.

Closely connected \vith the turntable slice described else-
where, and in chronic cases of anchylosis of the ankle joint, is
the rolling motion ball shoe illustrated in Fig. lol. The prac-
tical result is the freedom of motion it permits to all the joints
of the foot and limb, to compensate for the stiffness of the
joint afl'ected. This freedom of movement takes the strain
from the stiff joint and enables the horse to twist and turn to
find the necessary relief. The ground surface of the shoe is
solid metal, the center being the highest and gradually rolling
or curving to the wall on all sides. It is the shoe that the
late trainer of trotting horses, Ben Mace, used with great
benefit on Sensation in all of his successful trotting' races.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

241

Fig. 132. common sense shoe, to
correct any faulty movements.

A, Inside toe calkin.

Fig. 132. In nearly all
cases, horses that cut their
ankles in front place the
outer side of the foot to the
srround lirst, then the foot
drops quickly to the inside
heel. As it drops, the ankle
is thrown inwardly toward
the opposite foot, and in
passing the ankle the foot
hits against the ankle of the
stationary foot. This will be
observed if a horse with this
habit be walked and his
front action be carefully
noted.

In shoeing a horse of this character, therefore, it should be
the custom of the farrier to walk the horse up and dow^n on
level ground to ascertain how^ he steps on his feet. If he steps
on the outer toe, iirst carefully pare the foot level and straight,
as directed. After which apply the above shoe, w^ith inside toe
calkin. Then set the outside calk, thus shortening the ground
surface, and place side heel calkin on the shoe. This will
allow a broader tread and prevent twisting of the foot as it
leaves the ground. In the forward movement, the foot will
turn over the outside toe quickly and carry its ankle out of
the reach of the cutting ankle. Place the shoe on the foot,
corresponding with the ankle hit, the toe calkin, A, always
on the inside.

This shoe can also be used to correct any faulty step, as the
ground surface can be increased or diminished without destroy-
ing the shape of the foot.

242

SCIEXTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 133. When us-
ing shoe, if the horse toes
out, place a wide web on
the inside; il" he toes in,
{)lace the wide web on the
outside. If lie brushes
his ankles, shins or knees,
wben the foot is directly
under the axis of the leg,
close up the nail holes in
the toe on the inside, and
place them in back of
quarters, as shown in dia-
gram. The inside is to be
beveled on ground surface
as shown at A, A. If the
shoe is properly placed
it can not fail to be of
great service to the horse,
and do all that is claimed
for it.

Fig. 134. This style
is known as the rolling-
motion shoe, and is used
to quicken the action of
the horse in front, show-
ing the length of the shoe
at the heel and the roll at
the toe, with the nails
driven in the quarters.
Fig. 135. The shoe on the opposite page is intended for
draft horses. If the horse pulls from tbe outside toe, the out-
side quarter and heel will wire in. To overcome this tendency,
I designed this style of shoe. Any ordinary shoe may be

Fig. 1:53. front foot side weight

SHOE, to prevent ANKLE OU K NEK-HIT-
TING.

A, A, Inside riui to be beveled on the
ground tread.

Fig. 134. side view of foot, w-ith a
rolling motion shoe.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

243

used, on which the toe-
piece at "A," may be
welded, which should ex-
tend from the outside rim
of the shoe, say from one-
half inch to an inch.
Stave lip the outside heel
of the shoe sufficiently to
get good broad covering
for the narrowed-in heel
and quarter. Use the
round fullering tool to
swedge the shoe wide
enough to obtain good bar
pressure. Turn up heels
and weld a calk on the
outside heel, and fit the
shoe snugly to the wall
up to both sides of the
frog.

The etFect of the pro-
jecting toe-piece is to brace
or stay the weak part of
the ankle and foot, and in
two or three shoeins^s the
foot will become natural
in its movements, and
fairly returned to its nor-
mal state.

Fig. 136. This is
another style of shoe for
draft horses, as explained
by the references under
the cut.

Fig. 135. fkont foot shoe, for draft

HORSE.

A, Outside toe calk. B, Side-heel calk.

Fig. 136. front foot shoe, for draft
horses that wear hard on the out-
side toe and heel.

A, Outside toe calk. B, Indicates the
location of a clip to be turned up on the
outside rim of the shoe to hold it more
firmly to the foot.

244

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

FlO. 137. FRONT FOOT SHOE, TO PKEVENT
PADDLING, ANKLE AND SHIN CITTING.

A, Projection at side of toe, to be placed
on the ontsiik' to remedy paddline, and on
tlie inside to stop ankle or shin cutting.

Fig. 138. front foot shoe, designed
for bruised and clcerated heels or
corns, showing the wall-bearing a, a.

Fig. 137. When the
foot has an outward (li[.
over the inside toe it is
called padding. Use shoe.
Fig. 137, i)lacing the pro-
jecting toe-piece, A, on
the inside of shoe. If the
foot has an inward di]) in
leavins: the ijround, it is
liable to hit the ankle or
shin on the ojiposite leg.
For such cases place the
toe piece on the outside of
the shoe as this will make
tlie foot l)reak straight
over the toe. The toe-
piece to extend one-half
to three-quarter inch be-
yond the rim of shoe.

Fig. 138. This shoe
is easily made. Take a
shoe stifi" at heels and cut
it out from wall-bearing
surfaces to the inner rims,
as shown at A, A. If
only one heel is aftected,
concave on that side, at
the place of bruise. Pare
the commissures and bars
all around the diseased
part as thin as the safety
of the foot will permit.
Then punch holes in each
heel with a round punchy

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

245

large enough to receive a one-sixteenth inch rivet. Then rivet
a leather on the shoe, covering the bottom of the foot. Fill
the bottom of the foot with fat pork out of the brine, and nail
the shoe on lightly.

Soak the feet in warm water for two hours. The pork will
draw and assist in removing all soreness from the part. If these
instructions are closely followed, I will guarantee that the worst
case of corns can be cured in thirty days. They have never
failed me.

Fig. 139. This shoe was
designed by the late Mr. Dan
Mace for the noted mare, Lady
Thorne. Great skill was re-
quired in adjusting to her feet
shoes of suitable weight to
balance her action. This was
effected by Mr. Mace by fit-
tino; her with shoes as shown
herewith, weighing 12 ounces
each in front, and 14 ounces
each behind ; after which, her
action was as regular as the

pendulum of a clock. p^^ ^og ^^^^ p^^T shoe, to bal-

This shoe should fit snugly ance and slow the action of the

,, f, ^ J 1 .1 • 1 r. trotting horse, DESIGNED BY DAN

on the foot up to both sides or

i MACE.

the frog, the heels inclining ^^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^
outward. The shoe being long- front part of shoe to ground surface.

C, C, Heel calkins gradually lowered
toward quarters.

er than the foot at the heels,
destroys the down action of
the flexor perforans, which serves to lessen the quick up ac-
tion. The length of the heels also gives more ground surface
to the foot, which requires a longer interval for the horse to get
over his toe. I have used this shoe with satisfactory results.

24G

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEIXG.

Fig. 140. iiixn foot shoe, for track

AND ROAD HORSES.

AV'ell beveled on jjrround surface, as
shown by letters A, A, A.

Fig. 140. This shoe is
inade of steel, and is well
beveled on the ground sur-
face. If the hopse is a lonir
strider, turn up small heel
calkins so as to serve as a
check to the foot in landing ;
if a short strider, heel cal-
kins are not required. Fit
the shoe the same length as
the foot (as shown in this
figure), so as not to retard the
down action of the fiexor
perforans. By following the
above directions the speed
of the horse will not be re-
tarded.

Fig. 141. This hind
foot shoe is intended for an
extreme case of ankle hit-
ting, where the horse hits
with the inside point of the
toe. This occurs with horses
that stand in a faulty posi-
tion having their toes turned
in. In such cases a toe-calk
should be placed on the in-
side, at the striking point
of the foot, A, and also a
side heel calkin, B. This
will prevent any thing like
an inward dip of the foot,
as the horse starts, and will cause an outward dip sufficient to carry
the foot beyond the ankle of the opposite leg without striking it.

Fig. 141. hind foot shoe, for ankle

HITTING.

A, Inside toe calk. B, Inside heel
calk.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

247

Fig. 142. This shoe,
if properly made and ad-
justed to the foot, will not
fail to do all that is claimed
for it. Trotting horses vary
so greatly that no rule can
be laid down applicable to
all, beyond the general ob-
servation to shoe each horse
in accordance with his shape,
build and gait, with difier-
ently weighted and con-
structed shoes.

The shoe in question
should be used only on
horses with their hind legs
inclined to stand under the
body. On close examination

of the hind legs from the hock, we find the two nind feet close
together, and the legs open between the hocks ; we notice the
pasterns from the union of the upper pastern to the lower por-
tion of the cannon-bone leaning outwardly. Dropping plumb
lines from' the inner and outer sides of the hock to the ground,
we observe that both will hang, the one on the outer and the
other toward the outer side, and that the weight does not pass
through the axis of the leg and foot. In proportion, therefore,,
as these lines are distant from their normal position, the outer
branch of the shoe will require to be turned outwardly to meet
the vertical, and as the inside heel calkin of the shoe is lowered,
just so much will the upper pastern be brought near the cente^'
line through axis of foot and leg.

The inside branch of shoe is to fit snuglv to the inner wall
of foot. The outside branch of shoe, extending well back of
heel and leg, will serve as a brace to support the upper pastern

Fig. 142. hind foot shoe, to widen"

THE action.

A, Inside branch. B, Ending of in-
side toe calk. C, Ending of outside
toe calk. Lines A B, A C show circle
of toe.

248

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

and the shank or cannon-bone. When the horse in motion lands
his foot upon tlie ground, the heel of tlio foot on the inside be-
ing the lowest, the inner muscle will bear the greater strain ;
and as the foot leaves the ground, the outer muscle will spring

back, carrying the foot out-
wardly over the outside part
of the toe, thus widening the
tride as the foot leaves the
ii:round, and allowing the hind
leg to pass the fore foot and
avoid speedy cutting.

Fig. 143. To equalize
the wearing. — This represents
a style of shoe adapted for
horses that wear heavily on one
side of the foot. This often
occurs from an inclination of
the pastern to lean in or out,
thus causing the shoe to wear
more on the side to which the
foot and pastern leans than on
the other. If the wear is great-
est on the outside, place the
wide branch of the shoe on
that side ; and, similarly, if
greatest wear occurs on the in-
side have the wide web of the
shoe on that side. In this way
the wearing of the shoe will
Fig. 144. hind foot shoe, to pre- ^^^ equalized and the foot and

VEXT AXKLE CUTTING. ^

A to B, Inside heel calkin gradually hmb will be correspondingly
^liinned. benefitted.

Fig.144 represents a pattern of shoe to prevent ankle cut-
ting on horses with long oblique pasterns leaning inward and

HIND foot side WEIGHT
SHOE.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

249

the toes standing oiitvvfird. The heel calk shown is to be on the
inside branch of the shoe gradually tapering toward the heel
from A to B, as this will tend to straighten the pasterns by rais-
ing the inside of the foot more directly under the leg. Usually
it is found that with pasterns of the kind in question, the inside
heel is shorter on the ground tread than the outside, and this
shoe will supply the deficiency and thus avoid the striking or
cutting of the ankle as stated.

Fig. 145. This shoe is
made as light as can be con-
veniently worn, and extends
well back at the heels, the cal-
kins behind being slightly
hio;her than the front toe calks.
The shoe, being well rolled on
the ground surface, will allow
the horse in his forward move-
ment to get over the toe with
but little strain on the affected
parts.

In shoeing for spavin, the
heel calkins are to be made to
suit the eriiergencies. For this
trouble, first pare the foot ac- outer rim of toe at B.
cording to directions given in Chapter IV. Place the foot
on the floor and pick up the other foot. If the horse does not
stand down at the heel, the heel calkins must be left high enough
on the shoe to make up for the deficiency; for in a spavined
leg the foot always has two motions, first the horse drops on
toe, then back on heel. It is therefore plain to see that the
heel calkins behind should be higher than in front. Again, if a
horse is restless on his hind feet, or stands with one foot twisted
in and placed with the heel on the coronet of the other, it
18 clearly indicative of a spavin of some nature, whether

Fig. 145. hind foot shoe, designed
for curve, spavin and sore tendons.

A, A, Bevel from front of toe calks to

250

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

FlQ. 140. JIIND KOOT PIIOK, TO I'KEVKNT
IJRUISINO OllCALKlNi; THE CORONET.

A, Front toe calk B, Inside heel
calk.

obscure or visible. I have used this stvle of shoe with admi ruble

success.

Fig. 146. refers to calking
of the coronet. This is often
done by horses treading on the
coronet with either or both
heels of their shoes when stand-
ing in the stall, cutting and
bruising it, oftentimes jjroduc-
ing serious lameness. When
toe and heel calkins are re-
quired, apply this shoe.

The inside heel calkin is
welded lengthwise on the shoe,
and set back from the heel fully
an inch, the ground surface be-
ing beveled to a thin edge.
If both heel calkins are placed
on the coronet, weld a side heel
on each side of the shoe, bevel-
ing the heels as before. By so
doing, all danger of cutting or
bruising the coronet is over-
come. If plain shoes are used,
bevel the heels on the ground
surface and shoe short.

Fig. 147. A great many
horses are in the habit of twist-
ing their feet when lifting
them from the ground, which
makes them liable to interfere
and strain their ankles or foot
joints. Some will t\vist their
foot in ; others will twist it out.

Fig. 147. hixd foot shoe, for
horses requiring toe and heel cal-
kins, to prevent twisting either
way, in or out.

A, Toe calk, extending over the side,
as directed below.

SPECIFIC AND KEMEUIAL SHOEING.

251

By applying the shoe seen in the diagram, if the twist of the
foot is in, let the toe calk, A, project over the outside; if vice
versa, change the projection of the toe to the inside. This
style of shoe will prevent the twisting of the foot, and enable
the horse to get straight over the foot in front.

Fig. 148. This shoe I
use for wheeled feet. Tak-
ing the weight from front of
shoe lessens the weight on
the extensor. In the flexing
of the foot, changing the
weight from quarters to
heels, the foot will be easily
lifted. The web of shoe will
cover the quarters and wired-
in heels, gradually restoring
them to their natural con-
dition.

I have successfully used
this shoe for preventing forg-
ing. It will be readily ad-
mitted that if weight in the
toe of a shoe will lengthen
the stride, reversing the w^eight will shorten the stride.

Fig. 149. The shoe on the following page is designed for
trotting horses that carry their feet close to the ground. Many
horses shod with this shoe have won races which would have
been lost to them had they worn the ordinary shoe.

It is plain that just in proportion as the thickness of the
shoe increases at the toe, the stride will be lessened ; and in
proportion as the scoop is deepened, the stride will be length-
ened. A great advantage gained in the use of this shoe is, that
as the foot lands, it slides forward and hardens the earth. In
the act of springing from the ground, the outer rim at letter B,
17

Fig. 148.

HIND FOOT SHOE FOR WHEELED
FOOT.

A, A, A, Outside bevel at toe.
B,B,B, Inside bevel at toe.

252

SCIENTIFIC horsj:shoeing.

FlQ. 149. niN'D FOOT SCOOF'KD-TOE
ROLLING MOTION .S1H>E, TO I'KEVENT
SLIPPING WHEN SPKINUINU FROM THE
GKOUNI).

A, A, Width of KCdop at top. B,
Scoop to be beveled inwardly to C.

the high point gives a solid
catch ; and it is evident, there-
fore, that the advantage gained
in landing is not lost in spring-
ing oli" the ground. This back-
ward and forward friction is
very tiresome to the horse, and
may be compared to the resist-
ance experienced by the human
beinsT running over sand and
snow.

This shoe is easily made by

laying the center of the toe on

the horn of the anvil with face

downward and hammering the

scoop out, letting the heel of

shoe project well beyond the

break of heel. It affords great

bracing or stay to the back sinews.

This shoe is designed for use

upon horses with long pasterns.

Short upright pasterns can be shod

shorter, as there is less strain on

back tendons. If the back sinew^s

are sore, put on heel calkins.

Fig. 150, This is a j)attern
of front foot shoe for line trotters.
Horses of this class, when up to
Fig. 150. front foot shoe for line gpeed, carry their hind limbs in

TROTTEP,S, TO PREVENT SCALPING.

A, Bevel around inner rim to B, ^''^^ ^i^h the fore, and great care

extending around the heels and ^g required in shoeing them lest

quarters, B.B, and carried forward . i ^i i • j !_• +

to near front toe nails. The heels they scalp the hmd shm or coronet

of shoe also to be beveled at B, B, ^s it passes under the front foot.

on ground surface, with the angle ^, , . ^ ^ . ^

of the foot. The thmner the front shoes are

/

^

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

253

the less liability there will be
to injury in this way. The
shoe must also be beveled at
the heels on the ground surface
with the angle of the hoof, as
indicated in diagram 150, and
as explained with Fig. 28. The
weio-ht of the shoes must be
determined by the driver, as
some horses require more
weight than other in order to
balance their action.

Fig. 151 represents a bar
shoe for the same general pur-
pose as described for Fig. 150 ;
but as some horses are more
tender in the heels than others,
this style of bar shoe may be
substituted for the open shoe.
.Fig. 152 indicates the pat-
tern of shoe recommended to
prevent side or back slipping
on hard tracks. Whatever is
gained by a forward slide is
not lost, for the purchase ob-
tained by the use of this style
of rasp-cut shoe will enable the
horse to land and spring with
better confidence, speed and
endurance than by any other
form. This shoe should be
made of steel and after the
teeth are cut, they are to be
tempered in oil.

Fig. 151. fkont foot bar shoe, to
be used when required on line
trotters.

A to B, Bevel around inner and
outer rim same as in Fig. 117. The
dot shown in center of bar is rivet
hole for leather when used under the
shoe.

FiG. 152. FRONT FOOT RASP CUT BAR
SHOE, TO PREVENT SLIPPING ON HARD
TRACKS.

The dot in center of bar is rivet hole
to secure leather when required.

254

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 153 shows u liind foot,
rasp-cut grab shoe, to prevent
slipping on hard tracks, as ex-
plained with Fig. 152. The extra
scoop at front of toe wnll give an
additional purchase and firm
irroimd hold to the foot when

rising.

Fig. 154. Front foot raised
split-bar steel shoe, for contracted
hoofs, sore tendons, side bones,,
corns, bruised heels, etc. This
shoe is to be made of steel in
order that the bar may spring
Scoop from A to B, as shown, the ^n^icr the weight of the horse.

Make it in the same way as

Fig. 153. hind foot rasp cit

GKAB shoe, with DEEP SCOOP AT
TOE.

outer rim at A to be flush with
face of shoe.

other bar shoes, and after the
shoe is shaped and fitted cut
the bar in center at A, A^
then commence at B, B, to
raise the bar say i to | inch,
keeping both faces flat. In
cases where leather is to be
used to obtain frog pressure,
fit the leather to cavity in
bar under the shoe, punch
holes in center of bar and at
B, B, as shown by dots, for
reception of rivets, then bevel
around the toe of shoe on
Fig. 154. front foot raised split ground tread as shown.

BAR shoe, for contraction, SORE TEN- ^yj^j^ ^y^^ f^^^ prOpCrly

DONS, SIDE BONES, CORNS, BRUISED HEELS,
KTC.

leveled and balanced, as per

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIA]- SHOEING.

255

Fig. 23, this shoe will be found
very effective for use in any of
the cases mentioned.

Pig. 155. Front foot scooped
toe or grab shoe, with side heel
calks for trotting and pacing
horses inclined to twist or slip in
landing or rising.

It is a waste of power and
loss of motion for horses to twist
or turn in any way out of a direct
forward line, and by use of the
scooped-toe in this shoe we have
an excellent corrective for this
tendency, as w^ell as a valuable
aid in speed getting.

Fig. 156 is a new form
of double rolling motion bar
shoe, designed to quicken
the action in front, and thus
prevent stumbling, forging
and speedy cutting. By the
increased knee action which
this shoe gives it will also
relieve soreness of tendons
and feet. When used for
sore tendons, after the foot
is properly leveled, build up
the heels to take off all pos-
sible pressure from the back
of the leg, by inserting a
thick piece of sole leather
under the shoe to cover the
bottom of foot, gradually
leather from

Fig. 155. front foot bar scooped-
toe GRAB SHOE.

To prevent slipping, scoop the toe
from A to B, around to C, C.
D, D, Side heel calks. Dot in cen-
ter of bar, rivet hole for leather
when required.

thinning the

Fig. ioU. FRONT foot center bearing,

DOUBLE rolling MOTION BAR SHOE, TO
QUICKEN THE FRONT ACTION, PREVENT
SPEEDY CUTTING, FORGING, STUMBLING, ETC.

A, A, High center point in shoe, grad-
ually beveled forward to B, at toe, and
bacic to C, at heel bar. D, Side view of
shoe, representing the foot-bearing face
by straight line, and the ground face by
the easy bevels each way from center.
The thickness of center is to be regulated
to suit the necessities of the case.

256

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

heel to toe. Then in case the weis^ht is to be reduced, after the
shoe is nailed on, the leather can be cut out around the inside
of shoe.

Fig. 157. Hind foot scooped toe or grab shoe, to prevent
speedy cutting. This is a great shoe for speedy, close gaited
horses. The scoop at toe secures the foothold and prevents
slipping backward when leaving the ground, while the inner
and outer bevels on shoe prevent the cutting or bruising of front
quarters when in rapid motion. This shoe is to be made thicker
at the toe and gradually beveled thinner to the heels.

Fig. 157. hi.vd foot scoopkd tob
grab shoe, to prevent speedy

CUTTING.

Scoop at toe to be deepent-il in-
ward from A to B. C, D, Bevels
around inner and outer rims of
branches.

Fig. 158. front foot scooped grab
toe bar shoe, to prevent speed horses

slipping ON SOFT TRACKS.

A, Outer rim of toe to be of same
height on ground tread as the four
calkins; the scoop to bevel in to B,
which is thinned down a little below
the web of the shoe, and extends to
sides, C, C. Side heel and quarter
calkins, D, D, D, D, wedge or \ shaped,
with points upward. These calkins
are to be of same height as the grab
toe from A to C, C.

Fig. 158. "With this style of shoe made as directed by
references underneath the cut, the foot can not slip either to the

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

rear or sides, and by being easily lifted from muddy tracks with
little friction, the horse grows surer footed and less leg weary
or jaded than would otherwise be the case with the ordinary toe
and heel calked shoe.

Fig. 159. Any ordinary
shoe may be adapted to this
form by cutting off both of
the branches to the required
length, then by using a bar,
say f in. thick by | in. wide,
long enough to extend across
the quarters, and welding the
tongue piece on bar to reach
back and cover the frog be-
tween the heels, after which
weld to the shoe and put on
calks at toe, sides and heel of
equal height, as shown at A, Fig. 159. front foot three-quarter
B, B, and C. The cleft of frog ^^o^' ^«« ^^^^s, bruised heels, side

BONES, QUARTER CRACKS, ETC.

is marked at D, and the dressed

A, B, B, C, C, Toe quarters and
wall at E, E. In almost all heel calks. D, Cleft of frog. E, E,
cases of this kind pressure is Bruised heels. P, F, Lower margin of

11 rr 1 P 1 level wall.

to be kept oii the frog, and

this can easily be done by bending the broad tongue piece away
from the foot. This shoe may, if desired, also be made plain,
that is, without calks, and in either form will be found of
valuable service if applied for the purposes intended with foot
prepared, as per Fig. 23.

Fig. 160 (next page). A horse thus affected endeavors to re-
move the weight from the back of his foot by walking on his toe.
This shoe can be used equally well for horses and mules — the
heel calks to be high enough in each instance to level the heel
with the ground, then as the weight can be borne on the heels,
the calks will gradually be worn down and give indications in

238

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

this way of returning soundness. The toe-piece or front clip is
to be turned up at same angle as the front of hoof and project
forward to suit the case in liand, as the higher the animal stands
on his toe, the longer and higher the spur should bo, varying
from one to one and one-luilf inches. With i)roper attention to
these points and to leveling the foot, as per Fig. 23, this shoe
can be applied with success.

Fig. 160. side view of hoof shod for kelief of sprained and con-
tracted TENDONS, WOUNDS IN THE FOOT, ETC.
(For plan of shoe, see Fig. 162.]
A, Coronary cavity. B, Outer wall. C, Side of shoe. D, Toe piece
turned up. E, Heel calk.

Fig. 161. The same method of preparing the foot as de-
scribed for the preceding figure, is applicable to all horses or
mules inclined to walk on their toes.

Fig. 161. side view of another style of shoe similar to Fig. 160.

(For plan of shoe, see Fig. lf>?:)

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

2o9

Fig. 162. ground surface
of mule shoe shown in side
VIEW OF HOOF, Fig. 160.

A, B, Projecting toe piece.

Fig. 164. wall-bearing
surface op shoe shown in
Figs. 161 and 163.

From these figures
(160 to 1G4) II correct idea
maybe obtained for mak-
ing and applying the
shoes for the purpose
named.

Fig. 163. ground tread of

SHOE SHOWN in SIDE VIEW OF

hoof, Fig. 161.

2(30

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 1C5. groind si'kkace of

RIGHT HIND FOOT STREADINCi
SHOE, TO PREVBNT CROSS-FIRING.

A, Heel calk to be turned up
at end of long outside branch.
B,B,B,("i round surface of shoe,
the dotted line showing its pro-
jection over the outside of foot.

Fig. 166. wall-bearing sur-
face OF SAME SHOE AS SHOWN IN

Fig. 132.

A, A, Bevel on outside rim of
shoe, from wall bearing to ground
tread. C, C, C, Flat wall bear-
ing.

Fig. 165. Cross-firing is caused
by unbalanced feet and improperly
constructed sboes. Almost all speed
horses require the sharp outside edge
of their front shoes to be taken
off on the ground surface to pre-
vent scalping. By examining and
comparing the stride of the cross-
firing foot, it will be found that the
stride of that member is shorter
than its fellow by four to six inches,
causing an occasional hitch or hop
in the gait. In cases of this kind
place a cross-firing shoe like Fig.
165 on the short striding foot, to
weigh four to six ounces heavier
than the one on the opposite foot.
Where the horse cross-fires with
both hind feet have them shod with
shoes of equal weight. By lower-
ing the inside toe and raising the
outside heel on the long outside
branch of the shoe, the feet will be
made to stand wider apart on the
irround and will be thus carried out-
ward from the body, passing the front
feet without hitting or bruising the
inside ankles or shins. The success
of this style of shoe is greatly de-
pendent on the good judgment of
the shoer.

Fig. 167 (on opposite page).
In bad cases of dragging, the ends
of toe calk should project over the

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

261

front rim of shoe one half to
one inch, the projection being
greater in proportion with the
increase of the trouble. Both
ends of the calk should ex-
tend equally to a straight line
across the front. The clip
should be turned up on same
angle with the front of the
hoof.

If the foot is leveled, as
directed with Fig. 23, this
shoe will prevent the worst
form of dragging, as when in
motion the weight passes over
the projecting toe calks the
foot will be lifted with a quick
upward movement. If the front
toe of hoof is worn blunt by
dragging, the line of wall
must be carried down to the
ground tread by making the
shoe extend forward to meet
the angle of the wall, and thus
secure the full length of ground
tread. This same stvle of shoe
will in many cases stop forging
or clicking.

Fig. 168. Hind foot shoe
to prevent ankle hitting. In
order to determine how this shoe
is to be worn the horse should
be seen both in motion and at
rest. If the foot twists in as the

Fig. 167. HIND FOOT SHOE, TO PREVENT
DRAGGING AND FORGING.

A, Reversed bent toe calk from inner
center of web, extending over eacb
side of toe rim. B, Center of clip, to
be turned up in front between the pro-
jecting prongs of calk.

Fig. 168. hind foot shoe, to pre-
vent ANKLE hitting.

A, Toe calk on outside rim of
shoe. B, Extension of outside
branch with heel calk at end.
C, Inside branch, with heel bev-
eled from ground tread in line with
hoof.

262 SCIENTIFIC HORSKSHOEIXG.

heel leaves the ground he will hit back of inside heel nail, I
have never known a horse that twisted his heels out ever to cut
or hit his ankles. A shoe made as per Fig. 168 will turn the
foot outward from the ankle and thus avoid any interference.
The outside heel calk at B should be as high as the case may
require, say from i| to i inch. The inside branch to be gradually
thinned down from last nail hole to end at C, and the shoe to be
■fitted snuiT to the foot around that side.

Use and Abuse of Tips. — Tips should not be used indis-
criminately, the build and construction of a horse's legs and
pasterns must be <ltdy considered; for instance, tips will be in-
jurious if horse has long sloping pasterns Avhereby the line of
weisfht inclines forward out of the vertical. On the other hand,
short upright pasterns where legs are ])erpendicular or inclined
back under the body, have feet at such an angle (say 55°) for
the successful use of tij)s. Such horses wear the toes of shoes
more than the heels, and a toe-tij^ffall that is needed, therefore,
to protect the hoof from undue wear. A great majority of
horses, however, are adapted to the use of tips, and I think they
would be better off from such use on the front feet than other-
wise. By wearing tips the front feet would escape corns, bruised
heels, quarter-cracks, contraction, thrush, sore tendons, leg
w^eariness, interference or cutting and such like ills to which
horseflesh is heir — more from clumsy, misfitting shoes, than
from all other causes combined. In some sections of the country
too, where, in wet weather, the soil is sticky, heavy clay,
horses are apt to pick up " balls," which pack and wedge up in
the foot under full shoes and becoming dry and hard, soon
causes lameness, whereas the use of tips would avoid such re-
sults. When used, narrow tips are far preferable to wide ones,
as it is well known that horses do not wear out from overwork
so much as from mismanagement and overweighting of the

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 263

feet. Good judgment is required in applying tips: first, exam-
ine the formation of wall and sole; if the sole is cup-form or
well arched, this style of foot can be most successfully tipped.
The foot should not be pared off at toe and heels so low for tips
as for full shoes, as the tips have to be let in the wall flush with
the ground tread. In this way the angle of foot is in no wise
chano^ed and the wear will be even all over. From two to three
nails on each side of tips will sufiice to hold them on firmly.
Punch for a low, short, thick hold inclining the nail out-
wardly to avoid cramping the foot. Tips can be used to ad-
vantage on colts for first shoeings in breaking them, also on dirt
roads and the natural exercise of frog pressure will develop the
foot into a strong and healthy organ. The tips are to be bev-
eled oW on the outer edge of the web, so as to follow the angle
of the foot.

Sharpening, or Winter Shoeing. — In many instances,
winter shoeing presents fresh<,difiieulties, for the shoes have then
to do a double duty — to secure the foot-hold as well as to pro-
tect the foot. Toe and heel calkins are almost always employed
as best suiting the requirements of each case. In all cases,
however, these should be short and sharp, as then the foot will
be kept nearer the ground, at the same time they will answer
every purpose for a firm catch upon the hard or slippery ice, and
the horse will be less liable to rock sidewise, thus avoiding in-
jury or joint lameness. For ordinary workhorses, toe and heel
calkins are all that are required; and, as a rule, it is better to
sharpen the outside heel calk lengthwise, or from front to back,
as by so doing side slips will be avoided and strains on the joints
and tendons be prevented. For speed horses, side heel calks
are better for the front shoes than mere end calks, as the horse
is not so apt to strike and pull oft' the front shoes with his hind

264

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

feet when at speed ; also, the feet will not slip in or out so easily
this way. The hind feet can in most eases be shod with ordinary
turned up heels, as this will assist in preventing the " calking"
of one hind foot by the other. Side heel calks ought to be
placed on the inside branch of the shoe, near the heel, as this
will lessen the danger of wounding the opposite member.

All about Calks. — It should, however, never be lost sight
of that the shorter, sharper and smaller the calkins are, so long
as they answer the purpose for which they are intended, so much
the better for the foot that wears them. High calkins, while
they confer no firmer foothold, may easily become a source of
injury, both to the foot itself and the limb at large. It is only
from that portion of the catch which enters the ground surface
that the horse derives any benefit in the shape of foothold ; and
it must be apparent to every one that long calkins have no ad-
vantages in this respect over moderately short ones on hard, un-
even groniid, wliile they ]iresent many other disadvantages, on
which I have already laid particular stress in Chaps. lY and VI.

Bracing or Crutch
Shoes. — Fii^. 109 is a
style of shoe for the right
front foot, used to brace
up the weak ankle or
pastern that leans in, so
as to prevent the horse
from hitting and bruising
the inside of the front
lee:. I have used this
shoe with the most satis-
factory results.

Fig. 169. right front shoe.
A, Toe and heel calkins, inside shoe.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

265

Ficr. 170 is intended for
tlie left front foot, when the
pastern leans out. As the
left foot passes over the out-
side toe it takes an inward
sweep, thus hitting and
bruising the opposite leg.
The projection of the toe
calkin. A, beyoud the outer
ed'-'e of the shoe, must suit
the case in hand. I have
known of a toe calkin in
such instance to project at
least an inch. The outside
heel calkin, set as at C, will
materially support the out-
side pastern.

Fig. 171. split bar shoe.

A, Outside heel calkin. B, B, Bevel
around toe. C, Split bar. D, Inside heel
calkin.

Fig. 170. left front shoe.

A, Toe calkin. B, Inside heel calkin,
C, Outside heel calkin.

The use of this shoe
will he found of practical
benefit when outside quar-
ters are wired under and
badly contracted. Such
defects cause the quarters
to wear excessively on
the outside. The outside
heel calkin and the inside
heel calkin should be set
as at A and D, respect-
ively, thus increasing the
full o-round tread, while
lessening the inside. Bev-
elino- around the toe, B,
Ij, according to the neces-
sities of the case in hand,

26(5

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOKIXG.

Fig. 172. broad bar be'velkd shoe.

B, B, Revel— broadest at toe, lessen-
iutr towartl the heel.

allows the foot to break over

the toe more easily and pre-
vents stumbling. Allowing

the bar to remain open, as

at C, gives the heels greater

freedom to expand and eon-

traet at each footfall. Plae-

ing the ealkins as shown in

diagram tends to f<|ualize

the pressure through cleft

of frog and center of leg,

thus strenu^thenins^ the weak

joints. Tf the foot is pared

and the shoe made and fit-
ted aceording to instructions,

a decided improvement both

in the foot and its action will result in straightfcn-ward movement.
The shoe illustrated in Fig. 172 gives through the broad^

wide bar a strong frog pres-
sure for weak heels and
quarters. It is well con-
caved on sole bearing sur-
face, being of greatest bevel
at tlie toe and lessening to-
ward the heels. Weak feet
always obtain the best of
protection from a stiff, wide-
webbed shoe, and this style
can be successfully used for
quarter cracks, sore tendons
and flat feet.

Tliis form of shoe (Fig.

Fig. ]7?,. left iiixd shoe. 1T3) will serve as a crutch

A, Calkiu. to support weak pastern

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

267

joints — the cause of a horse's cutting defect. Before shoeing,
observe both from the front and rear how much the ankle leans
in, and place the side calkin as shown in diagram, high enough
to straighten the pastern under the foot and leg, bearing in
mind always that the main object is to strengthen the weak
parts of the pastern joints.

The figure herewith (Fig. 174) represents a pattern of a
bracino; shoe to correct cut-
ting inside point of toe, and
is one of the most effective
of the bracing shoes. Place
calkin at inside of toe, as
at A, to serve as a brace ;
another at outside, as B, and
a side heel calkin on the
outside branch. The effect
of this shoe will be to cause
the foot to drop outward
and allow the opposite foot
to pass the ankle without
hitting or bruising it.

The shoe following (Fig.
175) is designed to prevent

ankle hitting. The foot in its motion strikes the opposite
hind ankle at B. Weld side heel calkin as at B. Gradually
thin down heel of shoe from inside heel calkin to inside
branch of heel. Notice the forward movement of the foot, as
it leaves the ground. Place a toe calkin as at A, allowing
it to project beyond the outside of the shoe from one-half to
three-quarters of an inch. Turn heel calkin on at outside
branch of shoe, and thus shaped it will prevent an inward
dip as the foot leaves the ground, thus obviating the ankle
bruisins:.

Fig. 174. shok to correct cutting in-
side PoiNT OF TOE.

18

268

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

hitting.

Fk;. 175. siiOK TO prkvent ankm-: hitting.
A, Projecting toe calkin. B, Side heel calkin.

Fio^. 176 is another model of hind shoe to prevent ankle
If the toe of
the foot tilts in, place an
inside toe calkin as at A,
and a side heel calkin as
at B. Then turn a heel
on the outside hranch of
the shoe. Always en-
deavor by studying the
action to locate the cause
of ankle hitting, as the
same style of shoe that
will stop one horse will
not always stop another.

•

I have used all the fore-
going styles of shoes witli
the l)cst results on differ- Fig. irn. shoe to pkevent ankle hitting.
ent horses. A, B, Inside toe and heel calkins.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

269

A, CofTin bone.

B, Navicular bone.

C, Lower pastern bone.

D, Upper pastern bone.

E, Cannon bone.

F, Velvety tissue, or sen-
sitive sole.

G, Horny wall.
H, Horny sole.
I, Horny frog.

K, Plantar cushion, or
sensitive sole.

L, Horny laminae.

M, Sensitive laminge.

N, Front extensor tendon.

O, Perforatus (superficial
flexor.

P, Perforans (deep flexor
of the foot, inserted under
the coffin bone.

R, Suspensory ligament of
the fetlock.

S, Sesamoid bone (dotted
line).

T, Branch of perforatus
tendon attached to lower
pastern bone.

U, line of deflection from
V, caused by knuckling.

Fig. 177. sectional vikw of foot.

Knuckling Shoes. — Fig. 177 is a sectional view of foot,
lower and upper pastern bones, and end of cannon or shank
bone. The line from C to Y shows the natural direction of the
foot, when the coffin bone is in a healthy, normal condition; C
to IT shows the deflection from the natural course in a bad case
of knuckling. The difference may be readily seen by compar^
ing Fig. 177 with Fig. 178, after the shoe (Fig. 179; and Fig.
180, showing section of ground tread) is nailed to the foot.
This shoe (Figs. 179 and 179a) is easily made by welding toe
<.-alk in front of shoe, as shown (Fig. 179a). The height of
the toe calk should vary according to the case in hand. The
heels of shoe should be beveled on the ground tread, as shown
at B, B, Fig. 179 ; and Fig. 179a shows a side view of the front

270

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESliUEING.

toe calkin cii

£r r <> U 11 il t I'l'iKl,

aiitl the point, C,
at wliicli to coni-
menee to l»entl
the front ]»art of
slioe down from
the toe. Fig. 178
shows the posi-
tion of tlie pas-
terns and foot
after it lias been
dressed and the
shoe nailed to it.
I have l)eeQ
very sneeessful
in using this style
of slioe in ex-
treme cases of
knuckling, espe-

FiGs. 179 AXD 179a.

Fig. 178.

cially in colts of various
aires, from six months to
t\vo years. Even aged
horses can be thus bene-
fited. This explanation
should be sufficient, as the
cuts speak for themselves.
By using the shoe as here
illustrated, the pastern can
be quickly straightened
and the ground tread of
foot be forced to its natu-
ral position. The ten-
dons, ligaments and bonea

SPECIFIC AND EEMEDIAL SHOEING.

271

of a colt are naturally tender, and that is the time for this treat-
ment for knuckling ; for if the colt be allowed to run until it
has matured into a fnll-grown horse, not only may it be impossi-
ble to eflect a permanent cure, but after the members become con-
tracted it is somewhat doubtful if any cure at all can be effected.

This invaluable form of
front shoe I designed to
remedy either an inner or
outer contraction of the
quarter. The ground tread
is to be changed as shown
at A. Punch the nail holes
inclining outwardly. By do-
ing this the nails open the
foot to some extent, and
have a tendency to unlock
the bound quarter and give
almost instant relief.

Fig. 181 illustrates the
sole, or wall bearing con-

FlG. 180. GROUND TREAD.

A, Showing change of ground tread.

cave on sound natural quar-
ters, as shown at A, and bevel
out as shown at B, the bevel
being outwardly from the in-
ner web of the shoe to the
outer margin. As the w^eight
of the horse falls on the shoe,
it will have a tendency to
press the contracted quar-
ters outwardly at ev^ery foot-
fall and give relief to the
affected parts.

Fig. 181. sole bearing.

27J

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING.

This shoe (Fig. 182) I
have always used, with the
best results, in preventing toe
dragging, and in many cases to
stop forging. Always exam-
ine the pastern before shoeing.
If it stands back, place a side
heel calkin on the shoe, to
raise it up on a line with the
front part of the foot, wliich is
the correct position at rest.
This will cause the joints of
the pastern to work smoothly
and properly. To make this
shoe, take an old ras}), weld
on the front toe of shoe and

Fig. 182. shok to prevent toe.
dragging.

Fig. 183. shoe to pi:event toe dragging — side view.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

273

cut off the leno:th to that extent which the exio^eiicies of each
case require. This projecting toe calkin should he extended, on
experimental trial, till the liorse no longer strikes and wears
away the hind hoof at the toe, by interference with the diag-
onally opposite front shoe.

Fig. 183 shows the shoe, known as the shoe to prevent toe
dragging, nailed to the foot, the extension of the shoe beyond
the toe, on a line with tlie front pastern, and front wall of foot
to ground tread. The dotted line shows where'the front wall of
foot ought to come. Making the shoe to extend over, it takes
the foot longer to get over the toe and retards the action
behind; allowing the front foot to get out of the way of the
hind foot, will tlius prevent forging. I have always found this
shoe to prevent toe dragging and forging very useful.

This half bar shoe (Fig. 184) I use for contraction in the
outside heel and quarters, in case the frog is pushed to one
side. I place the bar of the shoe so as to rest lightly on one-
half of the frog — that is, on the side of the foot wiring under.

I simply fit the shoe neatly
and firmly to the foot. A,
A, and B, B, represent side
toe and heel calkins. Then
bevel the toe in front as
shown in diagram. This
will allow the horse to roll
over the toe more easily in
the forward movement.
Bevel the shoe as shown in
Fig. 181, on the wall bear-
ing, for contracted and wired
in quarters. This style of

^ ,„, shoe serves as a support to

Fig. 184. half bar shoe. ^ '■

. . o- 7 X 1,- -r, ■!-> c- 1 assist nature in restorincr the

A, A, bicie toe calkins. B, B, feme °

heel caikins. foot to its normal condition.

274

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

■\

Fig. 185. side vii:\v of uk.im ri;oxT foot

AND I'ASTERN, SHOWING ONE HEKL AND QTARTEK
BADLY CONTRACTED, AS SHOWN IN DIAdUAM.

I have been very
successful ill treat-
ing feet contracted
as sliown in Fiii.
is,"), ill tlie follow-
in<f inannci" : Pare
all sur[)his growth
on the ground-tread
as low as safety of
the foot will permit ;
op<'n up the heels
well and tlio com-
niissuros, coininciie-
ing at i^oint of the
fi'()<i and extendin<j

as far back as the
heels. Be careful not to cut or take anything off the frog.
Be sure to cut down along sides of the frog as deep as safety
of the foot will permit. By so doing, you will liberate and
free the frog and allow the foot to expand and contract more
naturally at each footfall, by leaving a good Hat wall-bearing,
as shown on page 97, Fig. 23. Letter A shows where to com-
mence to cut or file the groove in the outer wall. Take a
three-cornered file ten inches long ; commence one inch below
the cornet band, as shown in diagram ; file through the insen-
sitive outer wall as deep as the horny plates ; file forward to
where the quarter commences to contract and as far back as
the heel. If inner and outer heel and quarters are both con-
tracted, both sides must be treated alike. Fit a good stiff
shoe to the foot ; get fat salt pork out of the brine, cut in long
slices ; fill the bottom of the foot. Be sure to press the j)ork
down into the commissures. Take a good piece of sole

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

275

leather ; cut the size of the foot and nail the leather under
the shoe. The leather will hold the pork in iDlace. After
having the shoes nailed on, it will be well to soak the front
feet in a tub filled with warm water to the dejDth of eight or
ten inches. Let the horse stand in tlie warm water for one
hour. After taking the horse out of the tub, fill the grooves
cut in feet with Recipe No. 2, page 306. The salve will ex-
clude the air from the grooves cut. In many cases it will be
a good plan to apply a sweat blister around the cornet band.
If the above treatment is properly ai3j)lied, the horse can be
used daily, and the feet will grow out natural and healthy
and strong. I have treated over fifty cases in the x^ast year,
and all the horses were used daily, and all grew out natural
and healthy feet. Letter A shows where to cut groove ; letter
B, insensitive frog; letters C C, outer wall. See cut or dia-
gram on page 274 for reference of letters.

Fio;. 1<S6. I desioined
this style of shoe to
prevent slipping on
brick- and granite-paved
streets. Bv having long
toe and heel calkings, it
prevents the foot and
joints from rocking side-
ways, thus preventing
lameness in the ankle
joints. The toe and heel
calks are sharp, and in
the shape of a three-
cornered file, or made in
a A-shape, on the ground-tread. As the foot lands on tlie
street, it is inclined to slide forward, and either the toe or

Fig. 186. weight of shoe, 8t ounces.

276

SCIENTIFIC IIOKSESHOEIXG.

heel calk will catch between the joints of l^rick and stone and
prevent slipping. Tlie slioo being l)rnt around at tlie heels,
as shown, will catch the curls at the heels and prevent con-

trncti(»n of \]\o foot. It ou^rbt
not to l)e a (juestion of liow
cheap a ]iorsc can be sliod, l)ut
how good he can be sliod so as
lo insure his usefulness to his
owner.

Fig. 187. Tliis style of
' shoo I liave iisc^d for tliin shell
and wall. All tliin-slielled feet
require to bo shod with tlnn,
wide web shoes ; but there can
Fig. 187. weight of shoe, i\\ ozs. ]^q j^q fl^cd rule given to slioe

any two speed horses witli same weight and style of slioes.
The thinner tlic shoe tlie more naturally the foot is ke2)t to
the ground, in iny experience
as a farrier for sixty-four
years. All speed horses re-
quire the sharp outside edges

to be taken off the shoes on i ir / \ m

the ground-tread. By so do-
ing you will prevent scalping]
and speedy-cutting ; and my
theory has always been that
prevention is better t li a n
cure. The grab at toe, being
l)evcled gradually from outer
A to inner A, will prevent the Fi«- ^^^- height of shoe, 8i ozs.
foot from slipping back as it leaves the ground.

Fig. 1S8. I invented and made this style of shoe to be

SPECIFIC AND RP]MEDIAL SHOEING.

277

used on speed horses on soft and muddy tracks. This style
of shoe will suit a great many pacing horses. The toe and
heel calkings are beveled inward to inward face of shoe, and are
left square on the outside
edffe. The toe of the shoe
is beveled inward, as shown
at letter A. The toe and
heel calks being left square
on outside edges, will pre-
vent the foot from slip-
ping sideways when going
around the turns. The
scoop or grab at the toe
will prevent the foot from
slipping back as it leaves
the ground. The toe and Fig. 189. weight of shoe, 4 J ozs.
heel calks being beveled inward, will allow .the foot to be

most easily lifted out, prevent-
ing strain on muscles and ten-
dons. I have used this style of
shoe with satisfactory results on
trotting and pacing horses.

Fig. 189. I designed this
shoe for a pacing horse. The
outer rim, which is three-six-
teenths of an inch high, gives the
foot a firm hold at each foot'
fall, and also prevents slipping
sidewise in going around the
turns. In many cases it is a
iiood shoe for the trottin<x horse.

Fig. 190. weight of shoe, 3 oz.

Fio". 190. I designed tliis shoo to prevent cross-firing on

278

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 191. wkight ok shoe, 0} ozs.

the pacing horse. I have not failed to stop a cross-firing
horse ^vith this shoe. The outer rim on shoe, from heel

to center of toe of foot, and
the inner liranch of shoe,
must be the same lengtli as
the inner wall of foot. I
have used this shoe with
the hest of results. This
style of shoe can also be
used on trotting horses.

FiiX, I'Jl. In oi'der to
be successful in slioeinir
speed horses, we must de-
sign and make shoes suit-
able for the track they have
to race upon. As I have
so often said, scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and
gaited alike ; the style and weight of shoes that would suit
one would not suit anotlier. So, after all, successful horse-
shoeing greatly depends upon the good judgment of the far-
rier. Some speed horses are too long-gaited in front, while
others are too short-gaited — their action in front is short and
rapid and quick. If the horse has a short, choppy gait in
front, use Fig. 191. Placing the rim on the outside of shoe
will give most ground-tread. I desire to call your attention
to page 94, Figs. 17, 18, 19, and to page 52, Fig. 5. By
allowing the shoe to extend over the toe, so as to have the
front part of the foot on a lino with upper and lower j^asterns,
as shown in diagram, and using suitable Aveighted shoes, the
horse will get on to his correct, natural stride.

Fi<x. 192. If the horse is too lon^-ijaited and inclined to
dwell in front, apply Fig. 203. The rim is placed on the in-

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

279

side web of shoe ; it shortens the ground-tread and quickens

the front foot action.

Fig. 193. The rim is j^l^ced in the center of shoe. If

Fig. 191 gives too much

stride, try Fig. 193. The

stride can be regulated to

suit the gait of the horse,

with some one of tlie differ-
ent styles of shoes. By

close examination of the

skeleton on page 36, it will

be seen that the horse is a

beautiful piece of mechan-
ism ; and to shoe the feet

with styles and weights of

shoes suitable to their gaits ^f^'- ^^- height of shoe, 6^ ozs.

requires great study and thought and practical experience.
Fig. 194 is a new style of plate for the running horse.

The toe calk is forged solidly
at tlie toe. There is a deej)
grab at the toe, to prevent the
foot from slipping back as it
leaves the ground. The run-
i uino; horse in his lono; strides

f

I alwavs lands on his heels.
This plate has no heel calks,
consequently the stride must
be lengthened in proportion
to the height of the heel on
other i^lates. This cumula-

FiG. 193. WEIGHT OF SHOE, 9 OZS. tlvC gilUl lu tllC Icugtll of
stride must necessarily increase the speed. All the horsemen

280

SCIENTIFIC HUliSESHOEIXG.

Fig. 104. weight of bhoe, 2} ozs.

yvho liave seen ihc plate say it is the best out, ami tliat l)y its
use the horse can gain from twelve to eighteen feet in a mile

heat. It is acknowledged by
all to bo the best plate now in
use. Letter A designates the
dc('|) grab at the toe.

l-'iu'. 1 '.)"). A solid rim
shoe from liccl to toe; rim
three-sixteenths of an incli
high made in the center web
of shoe. Letter A shows the
flat surface of shoe. The shoe
is concaved from letter B to
iiiiK^r (\ I desijxnod tliis slioe
for a mud-slioe, to be worn on soft, cuppy tracks. It has
given perfect satisfaction to all the drivers wlio have us(>d it.
Tlie outer rim being made
square, will prevent tlie
foot from s]ip])ing sideways
wlien it leaves the ground.
The web of tlie slioe being
convex on the fjround-
tread, will allow the foot
to be lifted out of the soft
ground more easily than
the flat shoe, and conse-
quently the horse will be-
come less lea; wearv in liis

race.

Fig. 196. I designed

this shoe to shorten and quicken the front foot action where

the stride is too lonji and the horse is inclined to dwell in the

Fig. 195. weight of shoe, 8^ ozs.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

281

front action. Two front toe calks are set back on each side
of toe. This allows the foot to break over the toe more
quickly. The toe being
scooped from outer A to
inner A, gives the foot a
better hold as it leaves
the ground. The toe and
heel calkings being made
in the shape of a three-
cornered file, sink in the
ground easilj and pull
out easily. If the shoe
is properly made and ap-
plied to tlie long-gaited
horse, it cannot fail to
quicken the front action
on a hard track

Fig. 197

Fig. 196. front foot four-calked shoe,
weight, seven ounces.

Calkings are three-sixths of an inch high.

This shoe I designed for a horse with long

pasterns and plenty of hock ac-
tion. On a hard track it is a
splendid shoe for some horses.
The toe is set slightly back from
the front of the shoe. It is bev-
eled inwardly and made sharp,
'so that it will easily sink in the
ground and prevent the foot from
slipping back when the foot leaves
the ground. I have used this
shoe with perfect satisfaction.
Fig. IDS. This style of shoe
Fig. 197. hind foot shoe. I designed to prevent forging

WEIGHT, FOUR OUNCES. & J- fc) »

and scalping. The weight being placed from the point of the

282

SCIENTIFIC IIORSESIIOKINC;.

froLT hack to tlie heel, aiul the toe bein2: beveled in fi-ont,
allows tlie foot to break over more readily. This arrangement
also i^ermits the liorse to lift his foot most quickly and get it
out of tlie wav of the hind foot. If made accordinij: to in-
snnietions, this shoe will stop a gi'eat many liorses from forg-
ing and speedy-cuuiug. I have also used this style of shoe
to rnve crracefnl knee action. It sliould ahvavs be borne in

mind that tliere can be no
inflexible rule siven as to
liorseshoeinir. No two ;;n-
imals can be shod exactly
alike witli tlie same stylo
and weight of shoes and do
their work witli ecjual ease
and comfoi't to themselves.
Some general directions for
applying this shoe may,
liowever, be given. First,
step to one side and observe

if the front outer wall is on

Fig. 19S. wEuaiT ok shoe, n.\ ozs. -,- -i ,i i

' - a line with the upper and

lower })asterns. (See Fig. o, page 52. ) If tln^ pasterns stand

back from the front part of outer wall, weld two side heel

calks on shoe, high enough to bring the pasterns on a line

with the outer wall of foot. (See Fig. 5, page 52.) If the

shoe is made according to directions, it will stop a great many

horses from forging and sjDeedy-cutting. This shoe has al-

Avays given very satisfactory results.

Fio;. 199. With this stvle of shoe I have had the best of

success ill stopping knee-hitting on splay-footed horses. The

wide web of shoe is placed on the inside of foot, as shown in

diagram, so as to prevent the foot from sinking in the ground

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

283

and the pasterns and knees from leaning inward. The bevel
at outside of toe, as shown in diagram, permits the foot as it

leaves the ground to break
over tlie outside toe. By bev-
eling the shoe from inner A
to outer A, as shown in dia-
gram, the ground-tread is
shortened at the outside of
toe ; this allows the foot to
break over to the outside of
toe. Just in proportion as the
foot is rolled over, the outside
of the knee will be rolled out-
ward, out of the Avay of the
opposite foot, thus prevent-

FlG. 199. WEIGHT OP SHOE, 10 OZS.

ing knee-hitting.
Fig. 200. This slioe I have used with the best of success
for side-bones on road and di'iving horses. The shoe being
made of steel, with open
bar, will allow the foot to
contract and expand at each
footfall more readily than a
solid bar. This is a good
shoe for corns and bruised
heels. The set-off in the
shoe must be made to suit
the particular case in hand,
the shoe being set down in
front of the bony deposit,
and the shoe being beveled

from inner A to outer B. Fig. 200. front foot shoe.

C C shows rivet holes, to rivet leather under shoe ; D D shows

284 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

where the shoe is to be set down to one-half the thickness of
the shoe. If the foot is properly pared, and the shoe made
and fit properly, it will give great relief to the disease. After
having the foot dressed and the shoe made and fit, fill the
bottom of the foot with fat salt pork ; tlien nail on the shoe
Willi a strong piece of leather to hold the packing in place ;
then take the horse and stand liiin in a soaking tub for one or
two hours, in warm Avater eight or ten inches deep. The ef-
fects of soaking will open the pores, and (he salt fat pork and
leather will exclude the air from the bottom of the foot. Tlie
pressure must be well taken off the sore spots.

There are several other styles of shoes in this book for
bruised heels and side bones. To be successful tlie farrier
must use good judgment in dressing and jjreparing the foot
and selecting and properly making the shoe adapted to the
case in hand. Horseshoeing necessarily depends upon the
good judgment of the farrier.

Of all the domestic animals, the horse has the most
strongly marked individual characteristics. Think of the
diversified families into which the equine race is divided —
from the tiny Shetland pony to the ponderous Norman, from
the sleek-limbed, thoroughbred Arabian racer to the scrubby,
bucking broncho of the Western plains. And the individuals
of these various families again differ from each other in phys-
ical conformation, in strength, in disposition, and in all the
attributes that constitute the equine, so that it may as truly
be said of the horse as of mankind, that no two are alike. It
requires no great skill to nail a semi-circlet of iron to a hoof ;
but the man who has made a life-study of the wonderful
anatomy of this most useful animal, and can so apply his
skill as to enable it, whether malformed or normal, to do its
work in the quickest time and with most profit to its owner — -
he has professional skill unexcelled in any calling.

SPECIFIC AXD REMEDIAL SHOEING.

285

Fig. 201. Front Foot Shoe. I designed and made this
shoe to be used exclusively for speeding and racing upon the ice.
The front toe calking at letter A is made sharp on the ground
tread in the shape or circle of a perfect foot, and beveled inward
to the face of the shoe. The side calkings are filed in the quarters
with a 10-inch three-corned file, in a ^ shape, on the ground
tread, and being made sharp, will prevent the foot from slip-
2)ing sideways as it lands on the ice. The circle around the

toe will prevent the foot
from slipping back as the
foot leaves the ice. Hav-
ing the horse shod in front
and behind with this style
of shoe will greatly increase
their speed upon the ice.
The way to make the shoe
quickly and easily is to buy
the rim steel already rolled
in the bar, after having the
shoes made and fitted to the

feet and filed up. Be sure
Fig. 201. weight op shoe, 9 ozs. ^^ ^^^^^^^^, ^j^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^_

ter calking. It ought not to be a question of how cheaply I
can have my horse shod. The question with the owner
ought to be : How good can I get my horse shod? My expe-
rience has always been that a horse well shod is twice shod —
a horse half-shod had better not be shod at all. The above
cut of shoe is the best shoe that has ever been invented for
icy and slippery weather. The height of the toe and quarter
calkings can be varied to suit the gait of the horse and the
work he has to perform.

286

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 202. Front Foot Shoe. This style of shoe can be
used for two purposes. Letter A shows the shoe to be bev-
eled to a tliiii edge to outer
B ; letter C, side toe calk ;
letters D, D, side heel calks.
This shoe can be used to
overcome two faulty actions
in tlie gait of speed horses.
When used to stop paddling
out, place the side of tlie
toe calk nearer the center
of the toe. The toe calking
is placed just right when
the foot twists inward and
hits the opposite knee. As
I have so often said, there
cannot be any rule given to shoe any two speed horses with
the same style and weight of shoes, as there are scarcely any
t-wo speed horses shaped and gaited alike. For this reason,
the farrier must use good judgment iii making and fitting
shoes to suit tlie gait of the horse.

Fig. 202. weight ok shoe, 7 ozs.

SPECIFIC AXD EEMEDIAL SHOEING.

287

Fi(i. 203. Shoe for Pacing and Trotting. This is

a new style of shoe I invented and made. It is for the

pacing and trotting horses that cannot carry much -svoiglit

attached to their feet. The

weio;ht of the shoe is 2-V ounces.

This style of shoe will suit a

great many race horses, and can

be made any weight to suit the

horse's gait. This shoe is made

in a swedge the same as the

bastard plate, with toe and heel

calkings. As the foot lands on

the ground the double grab at toe

and heel will prevent the foot

from slipping sideways ; the ^ „„„ ,„

■^ ^ ® "^ ' Fig. 203. Weight of shoe, 25 ozs.

double grab at tlie toe will pre-
vent the foot from slipping back as the foot leaves the ground
over the toe. The horse that wears this style of shoe can
keep up his burst of speed from start to finish in his race.

Letters AA, front toe calk ; letter B, the bar ; letters CC,
side heel calkings. The heel calkings are to be made the
s'ame height as the front toe calk. By having the foot pared
along the side of the frog in the commissures tlie same, and
the nail holes punched opposite one another in the quarters
of the shoe, and foot pared according to instructions given on
page 97, Fig. 23, and shoe nailed correctly on the feet as the
foot falls to the ground, the inner and outer quarters will
expand the same at each footfall. By so doing you will
avoid a great deal of foot, tendon and muscle soreness in the
feet and less of the horse.

288

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 204. Shoe for Splay-footed Horses. I desicued
this style of slioe for splay-footed horses where their toes
turn out jpid their heels turn in and stand close together on

the gi'ound. Letters AA,
inner rim on shoe; letter
B, the bai-; letter C, the
outer rim ; to be made on
the inside of the shoe, rim
to be beveh^d up to a sharp
edge from the outside. By
so doing it will shorten the
outside ground tread on the
shoe ; the inner rim being
made to the outside edijc of
the shoe will lengthen the
ground tread, the outside
rim on shoe being made
sharp on the outside rim of the ground tread as the foot lands
on the ground. Tlie outer rim being made sharp, Avill sink
in the ground on the outside, and just in proportion as the
foot sinks in the ground on the outside the knee will be rolled
out, and the opposite foot pass the knee without hitting
or bruising the knee. I have used this style of shoes on
splay-footed horses that were known to be chronic knee hit-
ters. By using this style of shoes on splay-footed horses in
two or three shoeings, if the feet are pared and dressed ac-
cording to instructions given, it will have a tendency to_
straighten their feet. As there cannot be any fixed rule given
to shoe any two speed horses with the same style and weight
of shoes — as scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and
gaited alike — the style and weight of shoes that would suit
one horse would not be suitable for another. So, after all,

Fig. 204. "Weight of shoe, 9 ozs.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

289

horseshoeing greatly depends upon good judgment of tlie
farrier — that is, tlie shoer.

Fig. 205. Shoe to Prevent Paddling. I designed this
style of shoe to prevent pad- a_

dling. Letter A, toe; letter
B, inside rim ; letter C, out-
side rim ; letter D, bar. I
have had great success in
preventing horses that were
chronic paddlers and could
not be stopped paddling.
All speed horses that paddle
out as the foot leaves the
ground are more or less li-
able to speedily cut their
hind pasterns, shins and
inside hocks. Letter C,
outside rim of the shoe — the rim on the shoe being placed on
the inner edge of the shoe, shortens the outside ground tread ;
the rim being placed at letter B, on the inside rim of the
shoe, lengthens the inside of ground tread ; the inner rim
being beveled from the inside up to a sharp edge, will give
more ground tread to the inside of the shoe ; the outside at
letter C, being beveled from the outside of the rim to a sharp
edge, will shorten the grdund tread on the outside. When
shoeing to prevent paddling, always shoe full to the inside
toe and quarters. If this shoe is made and the foot properly
pared, and the shoe fitted and nailed on according to instruc-
tions given, it cannot fail to stop the worst paddling horse
in the land from paddling with his front feet.

Fig. 205. Weight op shoe, 9 ozs.

290

SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIXG.

Fiu. 206. Four-calked Bar Shoe. As I have so often
said, no rule can l)e given to shoe any two speed horses alike.
The style and weight that would suit one horse would not be •

suitable for auuther, as
some horses are inclined to
dwell Avlien up to speed in
their knee action. Fig. 206,
a four-calked bar shoe, is a
shoe I invented to quicken
tlu'ir front knee action ;
CC, front toe calkings, left
sc^uare on the outside edges
and beveled inward to inner
face of the shoe, made with
a grab toe to bo beveled
from outer A to inner B ;
letter E, bar on shoe. This
shoe will weigh 14 ounces, as the weight in the shoe will
lengthen the stride. Tlie way the shoe is made and explained
will prevent the foot from slipping sideways going around
the turns. The grab at the toe will prevent tlie foot from
slipping back as the foot leaves the ground.

This style of shoe is one of the best shoes I have ever
used to quicken and give knee action and lengthen the
stride and prevent slipping sideways going around the turns.
It has proven to be one of the best shoes ever used for what
it is intended for.

Fig. 20G. Weiciit of simi., lii ozs.

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING.

291

Fig. 207. Front Foot Shoe, to Quicken the Action
IN Front. Some speed horses are inclined to be stiff-kneed
in front, and reach too far and do not gather quick enough.
By placing the toe onto tlie
inner web of the shoe, as
shown at letter B, the toe on
the shoe to be beveled on the
outside to the inside — left
square on the inside edge of
shoe, to be beveled in front as
shown at letter A — will allow
the foot to break over the toe
more quickly ; the toe being
set back to the inner web of
the shoe will allow the foot to
break over the toe more rap-
idly, and just in proportion to the toe being set back on the
shoe Avill shorten and quicken the stride, and will give more
graceful knee action. Letters CC, side heel calkings, to be of
same height as front toe calking. Letter D, bar in shoe.
If the shoe is made according to the instructions given, it
cannot fail to do all that is claimed for it.

Fig. 207. Weight of shoe, 8 ozs.

292

SCIENTIFIC HORSIvSHOEING.

Fig. 208. For too much Knee Action. As I have so
often said, scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and
gaited alike ; the style and weight of shoes that would suit

one speed horse would not

be suitable for another. Some
horses have not enough knee
action, while others have too
nuicli ; arc too short in their
front stride. I designed Fig.
20S foi- a horse that had too
much knee action. I designed
this style of shoo to jii'event

Fig. 208. Weight of shoe, 8 ozs.

elbow and ;inn hitting. Let-
ter A, front toe calk, being
beveled from inner face of the
shoe to the outer edge of the

toe calk, will lengthen the ground tread of the shoe ; the shoe
is to be beveled on the outer wall bearing at the same angle as
the outer wall at the toe and quarters. By so doing, the
ground tread of the shoe will be lengthened. Letter B, bar.
Letters CC, side heel calkiugs, the same height as front toe
calking. As a rule, the longer the ground tread of the shoe
the loncer the stride, and the less liable to hit their elbows.

This style of shoe is one of the best shoes I have ever
used to prevent elbow hitting in speed horses.

SPECIFIC AND KEMEDIAL SHOEING.

293

Fig. 209. Bastard Running Plate. All nmuing horses
with weak heels ought to
be shod with bar shoes.
Letter B, the bar. Letters
AAA, deep concave on the
ground tread, to prevent
slipping.

I always put four nails
in the inner and outer quar-
ters of light shoes. By so
doins the shoe is less lia-
ble to spring and twist on
the foot.

Fig. 209. AV eight of shoe, 5 ozs.

Fig. 210. Shoe to Prevent Cross-firing. This is a
hind foot shoe, with rim on the center of the shoe. Letters
AA, rim on shoe. This stvle
of shoe is to prevent cross-fir-
ing ; rim to be placed on the
outer side of the long outside
branch at the heel. Some
speed horses, after the foot
leaves the ground, are inclined
to carry the foot and legs un-
der the body. With this style
of shoe placed on the foot,
with the rim on tlic long out-
side branch of the shoe, as
the foot leaves the ground, it
will be almost impossible for
the foot and leg to swing un-
der the bodv.

Fig, 210. Weight of shoe, 7 ozs.

The rim on tlie shoe will sink in the ground

294

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Yn,. 211. AVi:k;ht or shoe, 9 ozs.

and prevent tlie twist of the foot as the foot leaves the ground.
This is a good shoe for wliat it is intended for.

Fig. 211. Double Grab Front Shoe in the Quar-
ters. The inner grab is taken

out at the toe, as shown at
Irtters A and B. B}^ doing
tliis, tlie single gi-al) at the
toe will i^revent the foot from
slipping backwards as the
foot leaves the ground. The
double grab in the quai'tcrs
•will prevent the foot from
slipping sideways.

This style of shoe will give
the horse the utmost confi-
dence in his foothold.

Fig. 212. To Buace v\' Weak Ankles. I invented

this style of front shoe to
brace up the weak ankles
of some horses. The upper
and lower pasterns are in-
clined to lean in. Letters
AA, inner rim on shoe. By
placing the rim on the shoe
to the inside of the foot
will help to brace up and
strengthen the upper and
lower pasterns. The height
of the rim must be made to
suit the case in hand. If
the foot and j)asterns stand

up plumb under the leg, we will seldom meet with ankle,

shin and knee hitting.

■Fig. 212. Weight of shoe, 7h ozs.

FOOT ADJUSTER A^^JJ COMPASS.

295

W^ RUSSEttiS
FOOT LEVELING PIATE
8 mCHESSQUAF?E

FOOT LEVELING PLAT

FOOT LEVELING PLATE AND COMPASS.

Russell's Foot Leveling Plate is the basis from which the
correct measurements of the height of wall, which I have
already mentioned, are to be ob-
tained. The horse rests his foot
firmly upon this plate, and the
necessary measurements from cor-
onet to base of hoof, or face of
plate, are easily obtained by span-
ning with a compass around the
different points, as shown in Fig.
1, and any deviation or inequality
between two opposite jDoints is to be marked and the hoof
pared or rasped to a perfectly level bearing. If this is accu-
rately done the horse will move with orderly
soundness and efficiency, and all danger of
injury by unleveled hoofs will be entirely
obviated. Price $2.00.

Pages 94, 95, 97, give full explanation
of how to use the compass, so as to produce
the best results in leveling and balancing
the foot, so as to equalize the pressure to all
parts of the foot and leg. To be had of any
hardware house. compass.

296 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Hitching, and its Causes and Cure. — Hitching and hop-
ping are defects so very common in speed horses that I wish to
say a few words about them, inasmuch as I have been so often
requested to do so ; and wliile I know that scarcely two indi-
viduals agree upon this important matter, I am glad to put
forward my theorj' and experience, if only to draw out others.
The cause and the defects are sometimes in the hind legs —
beins: overdriven when out of condition. In some cases the
muscles are overtaxed and develop what is termed muscle sore-
ness, which will cause the horse to hitch and hop ; and some-
times speedy cutting or what is known by horsemen as scalping.
In some cases the cause is in the front foot stride. For instance,
take the case of the phenomenal trotting mare, Lida Bassett,
whose performance at Chester Park in 1883 startled the turf
community. At first slie hitched in lier slow w^ork in the left
hind leg, and then extended it to her brushes of speed. On
one occasion at Chester Park, I noticed that the mare nodded
her head every time the right front foot landed on the ground.
This led me to have the stride of the front and hind feet meas-
ured with a tape-line. The footprint of the right front foot
was just four and one-half inches shorter than the left front
footprint. I removed the right front shoe, welded a spur in the
center of the shoe at the toe, bent the spur at the angle of the
foot in front of the foot, and then placed a four-ounce weight
on the spur on the right front foot, and had the mare driven.
The hitching entirely disappeared on the left hind leg. This
was one of the causes of hitching behind. First locate the
cause, and then by removing the cause the effect ceases.

When I first began to study up the causes of this defect, I
assigned it to several, and later experience has borne me out.
The feet may be unbalanced, or the shoes improperly weighted
in front and behind. Ill-made and poorly fitted shoes in front
and behind may cause the horse to scalp and hit his shins be-

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 297

hind when up to speed. Drawing too much weight when up
to speed, too long drives when out of condition, or being over-
driven when short of work, may cause hitching j and it may
spring from curb, ringbone or spavin. In many cases the cause is
unbalanced feet. For instance, taking oft" the front and hind
shoes the horse has been accustomed to wearing- and chanofins-
the weight in front and behind may cause the horse to lose his
stride.

The best and most successful way to overcome hitching is
to first find the cause, and then by removing the cause the efiect
ceases. But whatever may be the cause of hitching and hop-
ping behind, it will always be found, by measuring the stride
of the hitching leg and foot, that it is from four to seven inches
shorter than the stride of the opposite leg and foot. My expe-
rience is that it is best to shoe the short stridins: foot with a
shoe or stick-fast weight. If the footprint in front or behind
is four inches shorter in the stride than the opposite front foot
or the opposite hind foot, I make the weight in the shoe one
ounce to the inch. If the stride is four inches shorter than the
opposite foot, I place the four ounces in the shoe or in the stick-
fast weight.

In general, to cure a horse of hitching, the farrier should
first learn the weights in front and behind the horse is accus-
tomed to when he trots squarely. Next find out at what gait
he begins hitching. JSTotice all the peculiarities and even ques-
tion the driver. But the most important is to see that the feet
are properly balanced and under the body. Then, having
studied the horse and learned all his defects and peculiarities,
shoe hini to correct them all according to the instructions here-
tofore given. It may become a matter of more or less experi-
ment, but practical experience and good judgment are the
handmaids of success in scientific farriery. Cultivate them.

298 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Shoeing for Relieving and Easing Ringbone. — For the
benefit of the horse owner and farrier, 1 insert liere a susxffes-
tion as to some slioes tliat eau bo used for relieving and easing
ringbone. In each case tlie shoes must be made to assist the
horse in the work he has to perform. "When the horse requires
toe and heel calkings, the shoe is described on page 140, Fig.
35. Having the toe calk set back on the shoe will allow the foot
to break over the toe more easily, with less strain on the affected
part. When used for a general business horse, use the shoe
described on page 232, Fig. 101. When used i'or speed or road
horses, select the shoe described on page 232, Fig. 121.

If a scoop be taken out of the shoe on the ground tread, as
far around as the two front toe nails (see Fig. 121, page 232),
the jar at each footfall will be lessened around the affected
parts. An easy method of lessening the concussion at each
footfall is to make an opening between the shoe and the front
wall of the foot, large enough to slip in a big horseshoe nail, as
far around as the two toe nails. By so doing you will give
great relief to the affected parts at the apex of the ospedis.

LEG AND FOOT TESTER.

FOB, LEVELING AND BALANCING THE FEET CORRECTLY
UNDER THE LEGS AND BODY OP THE HORSE.

It is a fact well known to all, that no piece of machineiy
can work smoothly and last long unless it is set perfectly
plumb and level ; and so it is with the horse. If the feet and
legs are not set plumb under the body, some part of the feet
and legs will give out. Unless the feet and legs are breaking
straight through the journals of the joints at each footfall,
there will be overtaxation of some portion of the i>iuscles and
joints. By using ray leg and foot tester in dressing the foot,
and following the instructions given, the foot and leg can be
correctly balanced under the body, so that tlie joints will
work properly in their journals at each footfall. By so doing
you will avoid foot and muscle soreness. The old adage is,
"Prevention is better than cure."

I have shown by three drawings how to properly use the
foot and leg tester. Fig. 1 shows how to use tlie leg and foot
tester. First, hold the leg up in the left hand, as shown in
the drawing; then lay the tester straiglit down the tendons,
as shown, with lower end across the heels, as indicated in the
drawing. Looking over the bottom of the foot, it will
readily be seen if the bottom of the foot is level. Be sure
tliat the bottom of the foot is level from heel to toe, as shown
in the diagram. By holding the leg above tlie upper pastern
joint, leaving the foot and pasterns hang loose, in some
cases the foot and pasterns Avill twist in or out. If the foot
twists in, the outside will be too high ; if the foot twists out.

300

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

the inside will be too high. By applying the leg and foot
tester on the leg and foot, it will readily be seen wdiicli heel
is the higher. In all cases, pare the feet perfectly level,

as shown on pages 94, 95, 97,
Figs. 17, 18, 19, 23. Always
bear in mind to keep the heels
of the same height and the toes
of the same length from coronet
band to ground tread. If tlie foot

twists in, take a piece of sole
leather thick enough to make up
the difTerence between tlie two
sides of the heel ; cut the leather
the same shape and width as the
shoe ; ht the leather extend to
the center of the shoe at the toe ;
l)unch a rivet hole in the heel of
the shoe ; rivet the leather at the
heel of the shoe, as shown on
page 220, Fig. 110 ; then com-
mence about three-quarters of an
inch in front of the heel and grad-
ually thin the leather down to
the center of the toe, as shown
in Fig. 110, page 220. By so
doing, the foot can be built up to
a perfectly level bearing on the
ground tread ; so that when the foot lands on the ground it
will land perfectly level from heel to toe. The thickness of
the leather must be made to suit the case in hand. If the
foot and jDasterns twist out, the inside of the heel will be
the higher, and the leather must be jDlaced under the outside

Fig. 1.

LEG AND FOOT TESTER.

301

of the shoe. In many cases the foot and imsterns will hang
perfectly straight.

When the foot is uplifted, the problem is solved why a
horse will wear the outside heel
and quarter and heel on one
foot, and on the oi^iDosite foot the
wear will be greater on the inside
heel and quarter. The cause is,
when the foot is uplifted, one pas-
tern and foot will twist in, while
the opposite foot will twist out.

There is a cause for all things.
First find the cause ; then, by re-
moving the cause, the effects cease.
The great science in horseshoeing
is to know how to balance the foot
under the leg and body, so that
when the foot lands on the ground
it will land perfectly level from
heel to toe. When the horse is
wearins his shoes level from heel
to toe, the foot and leg are break-
ing straight through the journals
of the joints. By the use of my ^i^- 2. kussell's scientific leg

» , T 1 J , -I AND FOOT TESTER.

foot and leg tester every horse can

'=' "^ A, Movable dial.

be shod correctly. 3^ Back of tester, on leg.

Fig. 2, Back view, shows the C, Thumbscrew to set slide to
foot resting on a level floor, with suit the length of shank or

the leg tester placed back of the

leg. Whenever the dial letter. A, hangs straight, the foot
and leg are perfectly under the body. This shows how every
sound horse stands with perfect feet and legs.

302

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 3, Russell's Scientific Foot and Leg tester, shows
by a side view how to apply the tester when the foot rests

upon ai)erfectly level
floor.

In my opinion,
it is just as essential
to balance the foot
and leg behind as in
front. By hoopinii;
the feet and legs bal-
anced under the body
every joint will work
smoothly, and the
horse will move with
ease and comfort.

It is said by all
e X j:) e r t horsemen ,
trainers, drivers, and
shoers who have seen
the leg and foot
tester, that it is the
most accurate instru-
ment that has ever
been invented to cor-
rectly balance the
foot and leg under
the body.

The foot and leg
tester is manufac-

FiG. 3.

A, Heel of foot.

B, Bent to suit the length of pasterns.

C, Thumbscrew to slide up and down to suit

the length of cannon bono.

tured and for sale by The M. & M. Machine Co., 215 West
Pearl Street, Cincinnati, 0. For sale by Frof. Wm. Russell,
1722 Freeman Avenue, Cincinnati, O. Price, $2.00, charges
prepaid . [Copyrighted .]

A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES. 303

CHAPTER X.
A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES,

OLD AND NEW STYLES PICTURED AND COMPARED.

To carry out the subject of this book still further and to
«how at a glance the progress that has been made in the whole
scheme and staple of horseshoeing within our generation, cover-
ing a period of sixty-four years, a regular progressive series of
(lifterent designs of shoes is here introduced in order to exhibit
as clearly as possible the passing stages of advancement in the
art by the several styles of shoes in use at various times for
various purposes until they were gradually relegated or su-
perseded by more modern patterns of ingenious workmanship
and skill, which accomplish wonders in balancing the action and
leveling the gait of horses, or are admirably effective in remedy-
ing or curing many of the faulty movements and morbid aflec-
tions.of the feet anc .egs. " Scientific horseshoeing," with all that
the term implies, is thus seen to be the outcome of many previous
years of experimental tests before it came to " the parting of the
ways " which led it from speculative regions to the place which
it now occupies — as an art built on scientific principles. The
shoes and tools grouped in the cases — Figs. 186 to 190 — formed
part of my display at the World's Fair, at Chicago, 1893, and
were awarded the First Premium, Medals and Diploma.

In addition to the shoes shown in these cases, a large num-
ber-of still more recent patterns are illustrated in the preceding
pages of this book — from designs which I have made since the
close of the World's Fair.

304

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 213. Cask No. 1.
Improved Tools for Scientific Horseshoeing.

FIG. 213. CASE NO. 1.

305

In tools, as in every thing else, the best is the cheapest, and this case rep-
resents the best products of ingenuity and mechanical skill of the various
articles made to serve the most useful purposes of experts in farriery. There
are many shoeing smiths who still pursue the same routine of shop work that
their ancestors did of old. No modern tools. No improved methods. And
considering the improvements made in other pursuits are actually as much in
the rut to-day as were the rural blacksmiths of generations ago. While this
is so, it is a noticeable fact that better facilities for doing better and quicker
work results in more trade and more popular satisfaction every time. This
affords the most conclusive evidence that the best tools are indispensable to
the enterprising farrier, and this case embraces every thing that properly be-
longs to this class of goods. The list includes the following articles:

No. I
2

o
O

4
6

13,
17,
19,
20,
22,
26.
30.
31.
33.
34.
35.
47.
48.
49,
51,
52.
54.
55.
56.
57.
89.
90.

Driving Hammer, weight, 13 ounces.

Pincers.

Clinch Cutter.

Horse Rasp, size, 14 inches.

Foot Hook.

Rasp, size, 16 inches.

Spreader, for operating on diseased hoofs.
10, 11, 12, 44, 45, 46. Farriers Knives of various sizes, No. 11 an

extra blade without handle.
15,16. Hand Hammers of various weights.
18. Fire Tongs.

21. Creasors, light and heavy bitted.
39. Stamps or Punches.
23, 24. Plain and Countersunk Pritchells for stamping shoes.

Russell's Foot Adjuster, fitted to a horse's hoof.

Center Punch or Prick for nail piercing.

Three Square Iron or Steel Cutter.

Foot Tester.

Hoof Cutting Nippers.

Nail Clincher.

Russell's Bed Plate for leveling the foot.

Adjustable Compass for measuring height of hoof.
50. Farrier's Clasps or Pocket Knives.
53. Whetstones.

Three Square File for dressing knives.

Froat to rasp teeth.

Sledge, weight, 7 pounds.

Double Rasp.

Half Round bastard Hot Filing Rasp.

Steel Rule, 0 inches, for measuring hoofs.

Adjustable Calipers to verify measurements around hoof.

306

SCIENTIFIC hokseshop:ing.

Fig. 2 4. Case No. 2.

FIG. 214. CASE NO. 2. 307

No. 1. Hind bar shoe, worn by trotter " Clementine."

2. Front four calkin shoe, see book, Fig 80.

3. Hind four calkiu shoe, see book, Fig. ir2.

4. Front scooped grab toe shoe.

5. Front toe weight shoe to balance action, old style, 1862.

6. Front shoe concaved on inner rim.

7. Shoe concaved on inner quarters to prevent picking stones, old

style, 1860.

8. Front winter shoe with sharp toe and heel calkins.

9. Front rim shoe to prevent knee hitting, see Fig. 82.

10. Front toe weight shoe, see Fig. 97.

11. Front toe weight shoe, see Fig. 96.

12. Front toe weight shoe to make pacers trot.

13. Front shoe with toe calk for trotters, old style, 184S.

14. Front bar shoe (old style.)

15. Front concaved shoe for saddle horses.

16. Front navicular shoe, worn by " Proteine," see Fig. 63.

17. Hind shoe for curb and sore tendons.

18. Front scooped toe mud shoe, old style, 1860.

19. Front rim shoe.

20. Front heart sunk bar shoe, old style, 1861.

21. Front round shoe, old style.

22. Front shoe for fiat feet, see Fig. 35.

23. Front shoe for draft horse. Fig. 102.

24. Front scooped toe shoe, see Fig. 89.

25. Front shoe for ankle and knee hitting, old style.

26. Hind shoe to lessen stride, old style.

27. Front scooped toe rolling motion rim shoe.

28. Hind shoe for draft horse, see Fig. 33.

29. Front shoe for draught horse, see Fig. 32.

30. Front concave shoe for saddle horse.

31. Mule shoe, see Fig. 56.

32. Hind shoe for ankle hitting, see Fig. 84.

33. Racing plate, see Fig. 30.

34. Hind shoe for ankle hitting, old style.

35. Front shoe for ankle hitting, old style.

36. Front side weight shoe, old style, 1876.

37. Front shoe for bar pressure.

38. Front shoe for enlarging ground tread, old style, 1861.

39. Front rim shoe, nails set for low thick hold, 1861.

40. Hind three quarter shoe for ankle cutting, old style.

41. Hind shoe to straighten foot under leg.

308

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOKIXG.

Fig. 21o. Case No. 3.

FIG. 215. CASE NO. 3. 309

.Wo. 42. Hind shoe, worn hj trotter " Thomas Jefferson."

43. From side weight shoe for ankle and knee hitting.

44. Front scooped toe shoe for stumbling, see Fig. 95.

45. Hind shoe for quarter grabbing.

46. Front concaved shoe for trotters, old style.

47. Front non-paddling shoe, see Fig. 104.

48. Front shoe beveled from toe to heels, worn by " Thos. Jefferson."

49. Hind square toe shoe for ankle hitting, old style, by S. T. H., 1873.

50. Hind shoe for trotters, old style

51 . Tip shoe, old style.

52. Hind scooped toe shoe, old style, see Fig. 116.

53. Front shoe for ankle and knee hitting, old style, by S. T. H., 1873.

54. Front bar shoe, worn by " Goldsmith Maid," 1871, see Fig. 90.

55. Front modified " Centennial" shoe, by S. T. H., see Fig. 87.

56. Front rolling motion shoe, No. 1 , see Fig. 93.

57. Front shoe for forging, etc., see Fig. 91.

58. Front shoe for knee hitting.

59. Front raised spring bar shoe, see Fig. 8S.

60. Front " Centennial " shoe, by S. T. H., see Fig. 85.

61. Front shoe for roadsters.

62. Front spring heel shoe for contraction.

63. Hind shoe for knuckling.

64. Front shoe concaved and thin at heels.

65. Hind scooped toe shoe.

66. Front shoe for knee hitting, by S. T. H.

67. Front shoe modified " Centennial."

68. Front side weight shoe for knee hitting, see Fig. 100.

69. Hind shoe for quarter grabbing.

70. Hind rolling motion shoe, old style.

71. Front bar shoe grooved for slipping, old style.

72. Front grooved center shoe, worn by "American Girl," weight,

31 ounces, see trotting record, page 118.

73. Front rim bar shoe, nailed at toe, old style.

74. Hind concaved shoe, old style.

75. Front shoe concaved quarters, old style trotters, 1862.

76. Front shoe concaved, old style.

77. Plain shoe.

78. Hind shoe for knuckling, see Fig. 71.

The center of this case is occupied by a display of medals which I have
received on similar exhibits of shoes, etc., at various expositions throughout
the country. See page vii-x.

310

SCIENTIFIC HORSESUOP]lNG.

Fig. 210. Case No. 4.

FIG. 21G. CASE NO. 4. 311

No. 79. Front concaved rolling motion shoe to change front action.

80. Front shoe for knee hitting, worn by " Gladiator," 1877.

81. Front shoe ground tread beveled to increase its surface.

82. Front three quarter shoe for bruised heels.

83. Front shoe gradually thinned from toe to heels.

84. Hind concaved shoe.

85. Front shoe fiat toe and heel calkins for trotters.
8(j. Same style shoe as No. 85.

87. Hind shoe inside heel calk for ankle hitting.

88. Front navicular shoe — A, high center of pad, B, heel calkins.

89. Front shoe for bruised heels, see Fig. 91.

90. Front shoe for knee hitting, see Fig. 83.

91. Front shoe for " pigeon toe," wide web outside.

92. Front racing plate, aluminum, weight, one-half ounce.

93. Front hospital shoe, adjustable center plate, for wounds, etc.

94. Front shoe for knee hitting.

95. Hind shoe concaved quarters for roadsters.

96. Front shoe for various purposes, see Fig. 91.

97. Front shoe with leather pad, four calks, etc., for slipping, etc.

98. Front shoe rounded ground surface for forging.

99. Front deep seated concaved shoe for saddle horses.

100. Front rim shoe to prevent slipping.

101. Front non-paddling shoe, toe and heel calks, and wide web inside.

102. Front modified turn-table shoe.

103. Front shoe for quarter cracks.

104. Front shoe toe and heel calks inside for ankle cutting.

105. Front " hospital " shoe for sore tendons, heels 1 inch high, taoer-
ing to toe.

106. Pony shoe.

107. Front shoe toe beveled out and quarters beveled in for stumbling.

108. Front deep seated rim shoe for slipping.

109. Hind shoe modified for wheeled feet.

110. Front three quarter tip for sore heels.

111. Front light aluminum shoe for track work.

112. Hind deep concaved shoe.

113. Front rim shoe to prevent slipping.

312

SCIENTIFIC HURSKSHOEING.

Fig. 217. Case No. 5.

FIG. 217. CASE NO. -5. 313

No. 114. Front rim tip, worn by trotting horse " Jacli."

115. Hind rim tip.

116. Hind shoe for Shetland pony.

117. Front shoo for Shetland pony.

118. Front racing plate.

119. Hind racing plate.

120. Front bar .shoe, open space outside, for interfering, etc. (Irish shoe).

121. Hind scoop toe grab shoe for track work.

122. Hind skeleton plate for racing.

123. Front skeleton plate for racing.

124. Hind shoe, elevated heel bar, for curbs and spavins on trotters.

125. Front heart sunk bar rolling motion shoe.

126. Hind scooped toe grab snoe.

127. Front center bearing shoe, see Fig. 12.3.

128. Hind " spreading" shoe, see Figs. 132 and 133.

129. Front rasp cut plain flat shoe, see Fig. 119.

130. Front deep concaved shoe for saddle horses.

131. Front improved rolling motion shoe, rim on inner border.

132. Front scooped toe grab shoe with bar for racers.

■ 133. Front concaved shoe with thin heels for high heeled horses.

134. Front toe weight scooped grab toe bar shoe for track use.

135. Front bar shoe, see Fig. 118.

136. Front shoe beveled on outer and inner rims for speedy cutting, forging, eic.

137. Hind scoop grab toe bar shoe beveled on inner quarters.

138. Front scooped grab toe bar shoe, see Fig. 122.

139. Front rolling motion shoe No. 2, see Fig 94.

140. Front rasp cut plain flat shoe, see Fig. 117.

141. Front rasp cut bar shoe.

142. Front plain flat shoe.

143. Front plain heart sunk bar shoe.

144. Front plain open shoe.

145. Hind rasp cut shoe, see Fig. 120.

146. Hind rasp cut grab shoe {modified from the last).

147. Front shoe square concaved toe flat ground face for knee hitting.

148. Front shoe light weight for stumbling, see Fig'. 95.

149. Front bar shoe with toe calk, worn by " Kremlin."

150. Front plain light bar shoe.

151. Hind bar shoe, long heels, for long striding horses or weak tendons.

152. Front concaved thin heeled shoe for high heeled horses.

153. Scooped toe or grab tip.

154. Hind bar shoe with long outside branch.

155. Front raised split bar shoe with leather pad, see Fig. 121.

156. Front shoe deeply concaved for saddle horses.

157. Hind plain side weight shoe.

158. Front grab toe bar shoe with side and heel calks, see Fig. 125.

159. Front heart sunk bar shoe with toe and heel calks.

160. Front shoe modified " Centennial," see Fig. 86.

161. Front rope toed shoe with heel calks for ice and mud.

162. Hind scooped toe grab shoe for trotters.

163. Front toe weight bar shoe.

164. Front scooped toe grab shoe, long branch outside, for trotters.

165. Hind plain light shoe.

166. Front scooped toe grab shoe beveled in and out for trotters.

167. Hind shoe, tapered heels to toe, worn by trotter " Harry Wilkes."

168. Hind scooped toe grab shoe.

169. Hind shoe for knuckling, see Fig. 71.

170. Hind scoop grab toe bar shoe, long heel branches, etc., for sore tendons.

Fig. 218. A CASE OF FINE HORSESHOES.-MADE BY PROF. WM. RUSSELL.

The above case of horseshoes is said to be the finest in the world. The large shoe in the
middle of the case is a medal frame with fourteen medals on the inside. The weight of the large
shoe is 16)^ pounds. All of the shoes shown are for speed horses, and represent the mostrecent
used by me in my system of balancing the feet so as to insure the greatest speed and endurance
The fifteen medals (gold, silver and hronzp) are all the highest premiums, and represent the
highest honors obtained, wherever the sboes >>""e been exhibited.

HOSPITAL CASE.

315

PROF. Wm. RU55EL5 HOSPITAL CASE OF 5H0E3.

Fig. 219. Pkof. Russell's Hospital Case.

316

sriEXTiFic noRsr:sir()KiX(i.

Fig. 220. Thk Twkxtietii Ckxtuky Cask

aOLT) MEDAL.

317

Fk;. --'21. (joi.i) Medal, Awauded to Pkof. \Vm. Uissell at Pittsburi;, Pa., 1S99.

318

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

Fig. 222. Case of Tool^

Microscopic A I, Sizk, Made from Kls.sell's Perfect
Horseshoe Nails.

RUSSELL S FOOT AND HEEL ADJUSTERS.

319

Fig. 223. Russell's Foot Adjuster.
Instructions for use given on pages 77 to 81 ; also see Figs. 16 to 29.

Fig. 224. Russell's Heel Adjuster, for obtaining the Angles cf

THE Heels.

A, A, Slots in plates for adjustm.ent to position desired.

B, Thumb screw for setting the plates.

C, F, Adjustable lever to obtain the angle of heels.

D, Lower bed-plate, to lay on bottom of the foot across the quar-
ters, in equalizing the angle on both sides of the heel.

320

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOKIXG.

Fig. 226. Russell's Foot

Testers.

Explained on page I'^'J.

Fig. 225. Rlssell's Hand Vise, for Hot RASPiN<i Shoes.

A, Set screw to fasten the jaw, B, on shoe.

C, Bed plate, shaped like a front foot shoe, on which to lay the shoe, to
hot or cold rasp it on the bevel of the heels and quarters.

D, Lower projection, to catch in the jaws of stationary vise.
■ E, End of jaw to grip the shoes. Length of vise, 16 inches.

This tool is indispensable to all shoers who shoe light horses, as by its
use the thinnest shoes can be filed without springing.

RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 321

CHAPTER XI.
RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS.

FOR TREATING DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FEET AND

LEGS.

It seems suitable and convenient as to the general purpose
of this book that, after having dwelt somewhat largely upon a
review of the principal diseases and injuries which impair the
oro-anic soundness of the horse's foot, and treatins; in detail the
efficacy of a safe and scientific mode of shoeing in counteracting
such evils, I should devote — in a limited way — a few recipes,
such as I have used myself with the most satisfactory results.
It is not my intention, however, to advise that the attendance
of a regular veterinarian be dispensed with when any serious
form of disease exists which calls for medical treatment beyond
the reach of the farrier's art. Neither do I desire to appear in
a false light with respect to the valid claims of professional vet-
erinary practice. At all times the mechanical work of shoeing
is combined more or less with the surgical treatment of the foot,
hence the farrier of to-dav must be more than a " blacksmith,"
or a mere worker in iron ; and it is for his guidance that I am
now writing. Having placed before my readers the undoubted
utilities of shoeing for remedial purposes, I likewise submit the
following medicaments as useful applications for any of the
cases to which they especially refer. Success in the use of these
preparations, I may add, depends upon a right understanding of
the nature of the trouble in each instance, and then in the proper
application of the remedy.

322 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

No. 1.

Cleansing the feet. — The importai)ce of cleanliness in '
keepinii^ the feet of horses free from certain disorders of the
skin and other excretory matters that are causative of eruptions
can not he overlooked. In prescribing a simple wash for the
feet, therefore, it is only a step in the way of preventing disorder
in its functions, to which neglect of such precaution may lead.
In liot dry weather the extremities of the limbs should be
thoroughly scoured at least once a day. Use the best castile soap
with a liberal supply of warm water and make a good, stiif
lather and apply it with a brush — to rub it in and thus cleanse
the skin from all impurities. Then rinse off with clear water
and dry with a cloth. This operation should apply to all parts
of the ankle and hoof, including the heels, and in this way a
clear, healthy condition of skin and elastic, tough, glossy wall
will be insured, if the foot is otherwise healthy.

No. 2.

Foot Salve. — Shoemaker's wax, ^ lb.; Beeswax, | lb.;
Mutton Tallow, for summer use, ^ lb.; and for winter use, ^ lb.
To be melted in an iron pot over a gentle fire, kept constantly
stirred until the composition is well dissolved and thoroughly
mixed.

This preparation is invaluable for many foot ailments when
used according to directions.

For Contraction. — After the foot has been prepared and
the shoe fitted, have the salve well warmed and fill the bottom
of the foot with it, then cover it with a thin overlay of white
cotton or clean oakum, and nail on the shoe with a piece of
leather fitted under the web to cover the bottom of the foot to
retain the salve in place and protect it from dirt.

For Coronitis. — Warm the salve as before and thoroughly
saturate with it several pledgets or thin flat layers of white cot-
ton and cover the coronary band all around with a thick coating

EECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 323

of salve, secured with a compress bandage of linen, laid over it
to keep it in place, after which rub a warm smoothing iron
over the surface from toe to heels, repeating this process once
or twice daily for the space of a week or more, being careful
not to scorch or burn the bandage in so doing. The application
of heat will operate as a tonic to stimulate the circulation
throughout the diseased organ, causing it to absorb the salve,
which will at once check the ossific tendency and assist the horn
secreting powers of the coronary cushion.

For Laminitis and Villitis, or for inflammation and sore-
ness of the villous tissue of the toe and sole of the foot, follow
the directions given for treatment and shoeing in Chapter VII,
covering such diseases.

For Bruised and Ulcerated Heels. — Have the foot leveled
and prepared by removing all the hard, dead, portions of the
horny sole around the affected part, then apply the salve and
cotton in and around the sore or tender spot. After the shoe is
applied, soak the foot in tubs of warm water, as this will act
favorably in reducing inflammation and removing soreness.

For Chapped Heels or Dry Skin. — Apply the salve same
as above, eecured with bandage, and repeat the heating process
with warm iron as recommended for Coronitis and all soreness
or derangement will quickly disappear.

For Punctured Wounds. — Whenever the foot is wounded
by a nail or other sharp body, it will be necessary to immediately
open up the injured spot by means of a drawing knife and
remove the edges of the wounded parts as deep as the horny
tissue extends. The salve is then to be poured into the orifice
until the cavity is filled — the foot being held up that the salve
may cool and harden. By having it remain there the stimulus
which it imparts will soon allay any irritation and bring on a
healthy growth.

324 SCIENTIFIC ]IOHSi:SllOEiNC.

No. 3.

Liniment for Chronic and Painful Inflammations of
Tendons, Coronary Cushion, etc. — Tincture of Aconite Root,
2 oz.; Spirits ot" Aniiuonia, '2 oz.; Tiiictui-e of" Iodine, 4 oz.
Mix and sliake well before usins:.

This rciiuMly is apjilicable to all cases of soreness or inflatn-
mation in the tendons and eoronai'y structures, also it ojterates
favorably on bog spavins, wind ^alls, and chapped hocks. It
stimulates the jtarts affected to healthy action by causing all
exudations, whether of the bones or soft parts, to be quickly
re-absorbed and the irritations allayed. In applying, saturate
and rub the parts affected well once a day, and in severe cases,
twice a day, morning and evening, continuing the operation
until recovery takes place.

No. 4.

Wash for General Purposes. — The following recipe is a
mild caustic, and will result in no injury to the foot if used as
directed: Carbolic Acid, 1 ounce; Glycerine, 1 ounce; Distilled
Water, G ounces. Mix thoroughlv.

When used for bruised heels, pare all the dead hard sole
from around the bruised parts, thinning the insensitive sole un-
til it will spring under the pressure of the thumb. After having
done this, saturate white cotton large enough to cover the
affected parts, lay over the bruise, and allow it to remain for
fifteen or twenty minutes. Put a few drops of the wash on the
cotton occasionally, so as to keep it thoroughly saturated. It
sometimes happens that the horse strikes his opposite ankle or
shin, cutting it, and quite often proud flesh sets up in the
wound. If this happens, take white cotton large enough to
cover the wound, thoroughly saturate with the wash and lay
over the wound. Bandage the leg to hold the cotton in place,
and let it remain on the wound for fifteen or twenty minutes.

RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 325

This will remove the proud flesh and stimulate a healthy
growth. I have used the above wash aud it has always pro-
duced the best and most satisfactory results.

No. 5.

Witch Hazel Wash, for General Purposes, such as
Sprained Tendons, Sore Loins and Soreness of the Muscles.
— Witch hazel wash is an old, long-standing remedy, well
known to horsemen, and has a well-earned reputation as a
relief for the above-named troubles. I have used it myself with
the most satisfactory results. Always bear in mind to have the
foot properly balanced, and a shoe so constructed and fitted that
when nailed to the foot the horse will stand with his foot and
leg naturally under the body. In this way the weight of the
body is equally distributed to all parts of the foot and leg.

326 SCIENTli'lC HORSESHOEIXG.

CHAPTER XII.
VALUAP.LE HINTS TO FARKIERS, ETC.

Since the i)ublicatioii of ilio lii'tli edition of "Scientific
Hbrseshoeinij;" many now and valual)le ideas have occurred
to me as the result of my practice for sixty-three years, some
of Avhicli I venture to give to farriers and liorsemcn, feeling
confident tliat they will be of benefit to them.

For the benefit of readers I show on pages 303-305, the foot
prints of the noted Queen of the Turf, Maud S., ])oth in her
slow work and when up to her full speed, when her stride
was eighteen feet six inches. She proved herself in 1885 to be
the greatest mare or horse living. I show also on page 306
the stride and foot-prints of Jay Gould in 1864; third,
on page 307 the stride and foot-prints of the majority of
race horses when up to speed ; fourth, on pages 308-9, the stride
and foot-prints of horses cross-firing with the right hind foot
and leg ; fifth, on page 310, of splay foot horses ; sixth, on the
same page, of pigeon-toed horses ; seventh, foot-prints of the
line trotters on page 311 ; eighth, hitching and hopping on right
hind foot and log on pages 313-15. Tliese drawings should
be of great value to the thoughtful farrier and horseman.

My theory has always been first to locate the cause of
the faulty action in the gaits, and then as a result of removing
the cause the defect will cease. No fixed rule can be given
for shoeing any two horses alike, as there are scarcely any
two horses shaped and gaited alike. As a result, the sliai:)e
and style and weight of shoes that suit one horse will not suit

VALUABLE HINTS TO FAERLERS, ETC. 327

another. Horseshoing necessarily depends largely upon good
judgment. For instance, take the draft cob road horse. There
are scarcely two horses that wear their shoes alike, as some
will wear the outside of one shoe and on the opposite foot will
wear the inside ; some horses will wear the toes of shoes more
than the heels, and some will wear the heels more than the
toes. (See cuts shown in this edition.) Now, to overcome
faulty action, make a close examination of the foot. Where
the wear is the greatest on the outside heel, the foot is not
level, and the inside toe of the foot is too high ; in some cases
the outside heel and quarter are curled under. Take the
opposite front foot where the wear is the greatest on the in-
side, and on close examination it will be found that the out-
side toe is too high. If the foot is pared and shoe properly
made and fitted, the shoe will be worn level. (See page 97, fig-
ure 23 ; pages 94 and 95, figures 17, 18 and 19.) By keeping the
foot pared level, the foot and leg in their forward movement
will break straight through the journals of the joints. (See
page 148, figure 45, where the cuts clearly show the eff'ect of
having the foot pared and dressed level from coronet to
ground tread.) One of the most important points in horse-
shoeing is in having the feet pared level. (As shown on
pages 94 and 95, figures 17, 18 and 19 ; page 97, figure 23 ;
page 100, figure 26; page 103, figure 29, in sixth edition.)
Stand the horse on a level floor, then step in front and behind
the horse and see if the upper and lower pasterns stand up-
right and plumb under the cannon bone. If the upper and
lower pasterns are leaning in and out the foot is not level on
the ground surface ; if the pasterns are leaning in, the foot is
too high on the outside toe and quarter, while if the pasterns
lean out the foot is too high on the inside toe and quarter.
Step to the side and see if the front part of the foot is on a

328 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

line with the upper and lower pasterns. (See page 52,
figure 5, this edition.)

One of the most important points in the science of horse-
shoeing lies in dressing the foot for tlic reception of the shoes.
If the horse is wearing his shoes level from the toe to heel,
the weight is equally distributed to all parts of the feet and
legs at each foot-fall. Seventy-Hve percent of lameness in
feet and less can be traced and located in un])alanced feet.
A horse well shod is twice shod. And my theory has always
been that prevention is better than cure. First, find the
cause ; then, remove the cause and the effects will cease. A
close observer never finishes tlie learning of horseslioing,
and no one man knows it all. Tlie world moves in every de-
partment of mechanics and in all the professions ; science
now holds supreme sway, and the farrier must keep up with
the march of improvement.

I wish also to call attention to some faulty action in the
gaits of speed horses which will cause them to hit their knees,
ankles and shins. The fault is in their hind action. A horse
belonging to Thomas Taylor, of Pittsburgh, was known to all
the horsemen in Pittsburgh as being the worst knee-hitter in
the State of Pennsylvania. The horse cross-fired with the
right hind foot and leg ; he crossed his right hind foot and
leg under his body and scalped his pasterns and shin on the
left front foot. As the foot was uplifted he hit his coronet
and shin so hard that he left his feet into a run ; in the act
of getting the horse to catch his gait he would hit and bruise
his knees. The horse was pronounced a chronic knee-hitter.
When I saw the horse I noticed that the two front feet stood
up plumb under the front legs and that the fault was behind
in the right hind foot and leg. I suggested to shoe the
cross-firing hind foot with the pattern of shoe shown on page

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 329

260, figure 165. The shoe was made according to the cut in
this edition. The shoe weighed seventeen ounces. After
having the shoe nailed to the foot the horse was driven and
has never worn a knee boot since. He has since beaten
horses with records of 2 : 10. This is one of the causes of
knee-hitting ; the difficulty is behind, and as soon as the
cause is removed the effect of knee-hitting ceased.

This horse was a pacing horse. My experience has
taught me that we cannot shoe the pacing horse with the
same style and weight of shoes as the trotting horse, as their
gaits are very different. We cannot shoe the long pastern
horse with the same weight and style of shoes as the short
pastern, and have the horses perform their work with ease
and comfort. In the past, a great many shocrs shod
horses without looking at the shape and length of the
pasterns. To be successful, the farrier must take a good look
at the formation of the foot and length of the pasterns and
formation of the legs and body. There are other causes that
will cause horses to hit and bruise their ankles, shins and
knees. The breeching is sometimes too high or too low or
too tight, and the breast collar too high or too low or too
tight. In many cases the teeth are out of condition. If the
horse fights the bit, or pulls his head and neck to one side,
the fault is in the teeth and in checking the head and neck
too high or low. (See skeleton, page 30, figure 2.) A close
examination of the skeleton will give my readers a clear and
better idea how to overcome many faulty actions in the gaits
of horses. As the time changes, everything changes. As
the horse increases his speed, he quickens his evolutions, and
the thinner the shoe the longer the stride, the lighter the shoe
the lighter the foot fall.

Shoers are becoming better educated and more enlight-

330' SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

ened tlian our ancestors were years ago. For the protection
of the horse, laws should be passed requiring men that desire
to shoe horses, to pass an examination upon the anatomy of
the foot and leg before they are allowed to run a shop. The
man that shoos horses is working with a living substance,
that has life and feeling such as requires study and thought.
In my judgment, it is far more essential that the man should
pass an examination in the science of horseshoeing, and re-
ceive a certificate from some competent examining board, that
he is fully qualified to shoe horses and carry on the horse-
shoeing business, than it is to require the school teacher,
lawyer and doctor to pass an examination and receive a cer-
tificate before thoy are allowed to teach school and practice
law and doctor tlie human animal. A great many are carry-
ing on horseshoeing shops that have the theoretical part ; but
for the jiractical part they have to depend upon practical
shoers. To execute properly, the practical part must be
learned with the hammer and tongs, with knife and rasp. To
be successful, the theory and practice must work in harmony
with one another. Such men, alone, in my judgment, should
be allowed to carry on the horseshoeing business. The
sooner we have laws passed requiring men that shoe horses
to pass an examination upon the foot and leg of the horse,
the less suffering there will be among horses. Horses do not
live out one-half of their days of usefulness on account of
the suffering and pain in their feet and legs. There is no
man that should be allowed by law to pare and dress the feet
of horses unless he thoroughl}- understands the anatomy of the
foot and leg. He should know where to cut, and when to
stop cutting, as seventy-five per cent of the lameness can be
traced and located in the feet. The cause is as much in un-
balanced feet as in ill-fitted shoes. I have given cuts of pared

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 331

feet and ill-fitted shoes and also of feet and legs all through
this edition, showing how to pare and dress the feet for
the reception of the shoes, and how to restore the foot when
the shape has been partially lost. The man that knows
where to cut and when to stop cutting is an artist in his pro-
fession. If the feet are kept properly balanced, lame horses
will be seldom met.

I have endeavored to make my explanation so plain that
every man that reads it can fully understand it, and as a re-
sult can have his horse properly shod and its usefulness and
comfort preserved for years.

THE TEETH OF THE HORSE.

The following statement with regard to the teeth of a
horse is furnished by W. A. Lewis, D. V. S., who has prac-
ticed in many of the leading- cities, treating as many as
eighteen hundred horses in veterinary dentistry in 1893 :
"The upper jaw is one inch wider than the lower, thus
causing the upper grinders to shut one-half inch over the
lower ones. As a result, the upper sides of the teeth have
a tendency to wear sharp on the outside next to the cheek,
and the lower grinders to wear on the inside next to the
tongue. After these teeth have become sharp, the pulling of
the lines in the use of a bridle of a horse brings the cheek-
piece of the bit against the horse's mouth, pressing the inside
of the teeth against the sharp edges of the grinders, which
has a tendency to cause inflammation, and frequently results
in large gashes. The horse will toss its head up and down,
slobber, will pull unevenly on the lines and many times will
balk.

332 SCIENTIFIC IIORSESIIOEING.

"Improper grinding of food produces indigestion and
staring or dead-like coat of hair. Large numbers of horses
endure constant suffering as the result of improper attention
to the teeth, and frequently lose llesli and get in a bad con-
dition by reason of neglect in this matter. They should bo
examined by a competent veterinary dentist, who alone can
give the proper care and attention, and must be equipped
with the jDroper instruments to accomplish the work. Such
attention is necessary for young horses as well as old ones."

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARKIEKS, ETC. 333

LINE TROTTER

AT A SLOW GAIT.

SPEED HORSES AND THEIR STRIDE.

§)

Pig. 12.

A, A, front footprints.

B, B, hind footprints.

It seems incumbent upon me to say a word
as to the o-aits and strides of liorses. In iren-
eral, it may be laid down that no two beings,
human or animal, are alike, so diversified is
nature ; and, therefore, what can be said of
one horse, can not be said of another. But
as each horse, when up to speed, has its own
individual stride, just as it has its own record
for speed, a few examples from the first in the
race will serve our purpose. Now, in the
first place, we should understand that in any
case, as a horse starts upon a walk, changes
to an amble, breaks into a trot, and then
speeds away, in each instance the stride is
lengthened, and when up to speed varies but
a trifle. Again, I have watched very closely,
and noticed that as a horse increases his speed
he quickens his strides. Take a horse, for
instance, going at a 2:30 gait, and su^Dpose he
increases his speed to a 2:20 "clip," the
change is quite noticeable. Let the speed be
increased to a 2:10 " clip," it is very plain he
must have quickened his stride ; and when
the speed drops down to 2:04 or 2:03f , the
increased number of strides is very noticeable.
The following illustration may make my point
more clear to the reader :

Fig. 12 is the diagram of a line trotter at
a slow gait. In this instance it will be seen
by the footprints that the hind feet, B, B, fall
right in line and behind the front feet. A, A.
Such was Maud S at a slow, jogging trot.
The next illustration, Fig. 13, shows the
stride of Maud S when up to speed in her

334

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

MAUD S. STRIDE

&

&^.

i

)B

Fig. 13.

A, A, front footprints.

B, B, hind footprint.

fastest work, -when she made her famous
record of 2:08f , to a liigh-wheel sulky, over
the Cleveland track in the year 1885. When
up to speed, note how her hind legs and
feet, B, B, swung out around her body and
landed six inclies ahead of her front feet, A,
A, in a true line. Maud S was called a line
trotter. Her stride on this occasion, meas-
ured accurately by those who know, is said
to have compassed eighteen feet 6 inches.

The representation of Maud S, page 37, is
one of the only cuts extant, and was taken
at the time she made her great record over
the Cleveland track, of 2:08|, to a high-wheel
sulky, a record which stands to-day unbroken
to a high-wheel sulky. She was photo-
graphed when up to speed, with all four
feet otf the ground at the same time, and,
as many will recognize, she was driven by
W. W. Baer, her old trainer and driver.

CD

a

n

a*
o

<t>

a

o

a
a-

fD

336

JAY GOULD STRIDE.

®

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

^

B|^

<l

^

^

^

^

1^

Fig. 14.

A, A, front footprints.

B, B, hind footprints.

Jay Gould's stride was very wide be-
hind, as shown in diagram. A, A,
represents the front footprints ; J>, B,
the hind footprints. This famous trot-
ting stallion was so wide gated behind
as to have made it very tiresome for
him, and if as much had l)een known
in his day as at present about the shoe-
ing of trotting horses, he could have
been shod behind so as to have closed
up his gait and inci'eased his speed
from four to ten seconds. Jay Gould
was as plucky, as game a horse as (>v(^r
was entered upon the track. It is my
opinion that for the lowering of records
in the past thirty-five years and more
of trotters, from 2:40 to 2:03f, the
modei'n farrier, educated and experi-
enced, can not be given too much
2:)raise, and also for his labor in balanc-
ing the leg and body so as to equalize
the pressure to all parts of the foot and
leg. Thus a uniform motion is pro-
duced, no unnatural strain fatigties one
part of the body more than another,
and the motion of the trotter is like
clockwork in its regularity.

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC.

337

NATURAL TROTTER

1^

H^

m

^

1^

m

§i

m

(i

«!)

i

^

ah

I ^A

Fig. 15.

A, A, front footprints.

B, B, hind footprints.

Fig. 15 represents the true gait of a
majority of trotters when up to speed. A,
A, footprints of front feet ; B, B, footprints
of liincl feet.

In all long-striding horses, when up to
speed, the hind feet are carried in advance
of the front footprints, sometimes eight
inches more or less. The stride in front
and behind are of the same length at each
footfall, and the foot fall is as regular as the
ticking of a watch.

338
CROSS

/ ^

B

^

FIRER

m

m

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

CROSS-FIRING.

IB
lA

Probably no infirmity of action impedes the
gate of the trotting and pacing horse, causing
him to become discouraged and leg weary, and
thus condemning him as wanting in race horse
courage, than tlie vicious liabit of cross-firing.
This drawing shows very plainly the foot-prints
of the horse that cross-fires with the right hind
limb and foot. Letter A indicates the front
foot-print, while B shows the hind foot-print.

In order to determine the extent of cross-
firing, the studious farrier should have the
horse speed on a level dirt road or track, and
then accurately measure the foot-prints with a
tape line, in order to ascertain the stride of the
front and hind feet. To his surprise, this dia-
gram on the ground will disclose the fact that
the cross-firing hind limb and foot will make a
stride from three to six inches sliorter tlian
that of the opposite hind limb and foot ; and,
furthermore, this instructive diagram will show
that the stride of the left front foot will be from
three to six inches shorter in the stride than
the rio-ht front foot.

In all cases of this kind, the front feet sliould
be shod with shoes of equal weight. Then to
the shorter striding front hoof apply the stick-
fast toe weiglit, one ounce to the inch ; so that
six inches shortness of stride requires six ounces
in the toe weight.

Then pare the cross-firing hind foot, as de-
scribed on page 260, and shoe the same with
the cross-firing pattern, as illustrated in figures
1G5 and 166, on the same page of my "sixth"

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 339

edition of Scientific Horseshoeing, These hind shoes shoukl
also be of equal weight, but on the outside of the foot the
horse cross-fires with, should be attached a stick-fast weight
having exactly the same ounces in weight that the cross-firing
hind stride is short in inches.

The desirable patterns for the front feet will be found illus-
trated in figures 150 and 151, pages 252 and 253, of the sixth
edition of Scientific Horseshoeing. The prevalent cause for
cross-firing is that of unbalanced feet, produced largely by un-
even dressing, and rarely by misshapen limbs. To the mis-
shapen feet and limbs can be applied, too often, badly con-
structed and fitted shoes. Sometimes the causes are more hid-
den than these ordinary troubles. For instance, the teeth are
sometimes out of order, causing the horse to take the bit on
one side, and thus throwing the head and neck out of line.
This one-sided carriage of the head and neck is frequently ac-
companied by tilting the rump to the opposite side. With the
use of the cross-firing shoe above set forth and the aid of the
weights, and tlie balancing of the feet, the stride can thus be
made as regular as the ticking of a watch.

It is to be hoped that these remedial agents have been
made so clear to the average farrier that horses thus afflicted
will be universally benefited.

In all cases of cross-firing, have the mouth examined, and,
if the teeth are out of condition, be sure to have a competent
horse dentist to fix them.

340

SPLAYFOOT.

SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

•

^'0

Splay Foot.

Fi<:. 17 shows the inward and
outward sweep of the liorse's
foot, known as splay foot. This
evil causes horses to hit and
bruise the ankles, shins, and
knees. Low speed, low cut ;
high speed, higli cut. Full in-
structions for shoeing splay foot
will 1)0 found on i)ages 194
(Fig. 79) and 202 (Fig. 83),
in "Scientific Horseshoeing,"
sixth ediliuii.

Pigeontoe.

Fis. 18 shows the outward
and inward sweep of the horse's
foot, known as pigeontoe, just
the opposite sweep to the splay
foot. In my work upon ' ' Scien-
tific Horseshoeing," page 248,
Fig. 91, I have given cut of
shoe to remedy the above evil.
Rarely, if ever, do pigeontoed
horses hit their ankles, shins
or knees.

PIGEONTOE

rig. 17.

Fig. 18.

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC.

LINE TROTTER

341

B
)A

THE LINE TROTTER.

The trotting horse that moves as close to a
straight line in his action, economizes in the
greatest degree his muscular exertions, as well
as shortens the space over which he moves to
the goal. It must be remembered in the math-
ematical axiom that a straight line is the short-
est distance between two given points, applies
with force to the action of the trotting horse.
The trotting action that is all abroad, technic-
ally speaking, wherein the hind legs violate
tlie line precision by excess of width and
height, and the front legs climb, with a waste
of knee action as to interfere with the leniith
of stride, means over-exertion, muscular wea-
riness, and total exhaustion at the finish of a
race.

The illustration clearly shows the foot prints
of a line trotter :

A shows the print of the front foot, and

B that of the hind foot.

Such a horse trots with the precision of a
perfectly constructed machine. He must be
perfect at birth. His stifles must be developed
straight, with the points turning neither out-
wardly nor inwardly, for tlie outward turning
of the stifles indicates tli3 straddler in action,
while their inward turning would make the
horse pigeon-toed behind, with a predisposition
to cross-firing. But, if tlie stifles are straiglit,
the hind feet will land in a line with the front
feet ; all the prints will flex straight, backward
and forward in their journals, and the horse
A. can sustain his speed with extreme endurance.

B

342 SCIENTIFIC HuUSESHOJ]ING.

because he moves with the greatest possible economy of mus-
cles. The stride of siicli a trotter can be lengthened or short-
ened by the rules laid down in Scientific Horseshoeing, as his
development in speed may require. But, to preserve his line
of action, he must be shod so as to bo perfectly comfortable
in his feet. This means that the comparative length of toe
and height of heel should be accurately adjusted ; that tlie
foot should be dressed to a level ; that the weiglit of the shoe,
and in the sulky or road wagon sliould be iti proportion to
his muscular capacity, and that all his bruslies of speed
should be finished well within his courage. If he is short
pasterned, he will have a quick-drum-beat revolution, and
this should not be interfered with to the extent of making
his muscles sore.

If he is long in the pasterns, lie will l)e long gaited, and
provided in either action the horse goes clear free from hop-
ping or hitching, or cross-firing or over-reaching or any other
defects, tlien he should be shod with thin, l)road, wide web
shoes, that place the hoof as near to the ground, almost, as
in tlie natural state ; and the front shoes should not be made
more than two and one-half or tliree ounces heavier than the
hind ones, in order to comply with tlie same relative w^eight
of the front and hind feet in their natural green state. Thus
shod and rigged, the line trotter in perfect condition, under
the most skillful reinsmen, is destined to become the i3erfec-
tion of the fleet-footed trotting horse.

VALUABLE HINTS TO FAREIEES, ETC. 343

HITCHING^^HOPPING

HITCHING AND HOPPING BEHIND IN
TROTTING MOTION.

This drawing accurately marks the
foot-prints of the horse that hitches,
while trotting, with his right hind foot.
In diagram, letter A shows front and B
hind foot prints. Tlie most unusual
cause for hitching is the malformation
of the offending hind limh ; that is, in
some cases it is shorter than the other
one. In all my experience, of more than
a half a century, as a farrier, I have
never found but two cases of this de-
scription. The method of discovery is
of sufficient interest to narrate. I pro-
cured a carpenter's leveling board, then
stood the horse upon a level board floor
with a man in front to hold his head at
the proper angle with the body. The
leveling board was then laid across the
hips. I then took two iron rods, stood
one end on the floor, placed one rod on
each side of the hips, and took the
measurement on rods under the level-
ing board. I then placed the spirit level
on top of leveling board, and then raised
the low end of leveling board until the
spirit level was accurately adjusted to a
perfect level, and both measurements
proved that one leg was just three-
quarters of an inch shorter than the
other. Subsequent examination and
measurements showed tliis difference was
in length of the hind limb. The shorter

$

B

\<s

\i&

B

344 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING.

one required to be lengtliened by slioeing. I selected a piec«
of iron tliree-quurters of an incli wide by three-eighths thick
and turned it edgewise, then formed it into a shoe and naik^d
it on to tlie foot. The opposite foot was shod with a thin,
flat steel shoe. This gave tlie short leg tlic required three-
quarters of an iiu'li to make it the same length as the otlier
limb, and tlie horse moved olF clear in stroke in one shoeing
and the hitching disappeared. This horse was the noted
trotting horse called Galier, owned in Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1870.

The other horse, similarl}^ afflicted, was a noted road horse
owned in Chicago. I found tliat tlie rear hind liinh, upon
close examination, was five-eighths of an inch shorter than
the opposite limb. The same remedy was aj)plied. The
short limb was lengthened to the length of the othoi- by
making and placing tliereon a shoe five-eighths of an inch
thicker than the other hind shoe. The horse moved off
square without the chronic hop that had before disfigured
his trotting action.

But generally the hind legs are of the same length, and the
cause of hitching must be detected in the front action. Take
the case of tlie phenominal trotting mare, Lida Bassett,
whose performance at Chester Park, in 1883, startled the
turf community. At first she hitched in her slow work in the
left hind leg and then extended it to her bruslies of speed.
On one occasion, at Chester Park, I noticed that the mare
nodded every time the right front foot landed on the ground.
This led me to have the stride of the front and hind feet
measured with a tape line. The front print of the right
front foot was just four and one-half inches shorter than the
left foot print. I removed the right front vshoe, welded a
spur in center at toe, bent up at angle at front part of foot,
then placed a four ounce weight on spur on the right front

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 345

foot and had the mare driven. The hitching entirely disap-
peared on the left hind leg. This is one of the causes of
hitching behind was in the opposite front leg. The stride
of front and hind feet must be as regular as the ticking of the
clock.

In many instances the horse will hitch by being speeded
every day, or being overdriven frequently at his highest flight
of speed too long at a time. More frequently he is compelled
to haul too much weight, and his ambition to forge ahead
will frequently cultivate the habit of hopping or hitching
as a means of overcoming the excess of weight he should
drag along. Such horses have been known to hitch on one
hind leg for a time till they get very weary and then rest
themselves by shifting the hopping to the other hind leg.

In all these cases the remedy should be apparent to the
thoughtful farrier and owner. The feet must be dressed to
a mathematical level ; their weight should be regulated to
promote a balanced stride ; the weight burden should be
lessened, and the impatience of the horse should be curbed till,
by slow handling, he is again restored to a well-poised gait,
and then his speed should be gradually quickened, always
within the desire to hitch.

In thus locating the various causes of hitching, the author
trusts that his efforts mav prove beneficial to the horse com-
munity.

346 SCIENTIFIC HOKSKSHUEING.

OUTLINE OF TIIK HOUSE.

It should bo uiulorstood by all liorseshoers and liorst^-
iiKMi tlint tho balancing of the feet and legs and body of
tne horse is the greatest practical importance in developing
speed and endurance. (See skeleton on page 3G, Fig. 2.)
This skeleton of the horse was drawn from the natural
skeleton, showing the importance of the fourteenth dorsal
vertebrae, whicli is the center of gravity of the body. As
I have shown, the coffin joint is the center of gravity of
the foot. Readers of the several editions of my work oii
Scientific Horseshoeing will notice that, as a fundamental
principle, I have always laid great stress upon the proper
balancing of the foot and body of the horse. The farrier
should take the ijreatest care in di'essiui^ the feet and
making shoes of suitable style and weight to suit the gait
of the horse, and should so balance the feet that they may
swing in a true line with the bod}^ when in motion, as the
pendulum of the clock. The farrier requires good judgment
in his profession, that he may properly balance and shoe the
feet to suit the gait of the horse.

Every horseshoer, or, as he should aspire to be called,
every competent farrier, of the twentieth century should
make this object lesson, thus so artistically presented, his
constant study ; for upon the mastery of the anatomy and
physiology of the horse will depend his competency in his
profession. The day has gone by for guesswork or routine
cutting and rasping the foot, with no other oliject in view
than that of reducing the ground surface, often to the dis-
comfort and positive injury of the foot and limb. The ^vorkl

OUTLINE OF THE HORSE. 347

moves. Ill every deiDartment of mechanics and in all the
professions science now holds supreme sway, and the farrier
must keep up with the march of imj^rovement.

But the foundation of this marvelous superstructure is
the limb and foot. Unless they are properly balanced and
adjusted the entire mechanism is deranged and the movement
of the horse is painful and faulty. But before elaborating
this projoosition it is appropriate to direct your attention to
the construction of the limb and foot.

Let me direct your notice to Fig. 5, page 52, which shows
the right front foot and leg cut through the center from knee
to base of the foot. This section displays the correct position
of the bones when the foot is properly balanced. The line
through the center of the upper and lower pastern bones
marks the normal angle of the foot, and shows that the cofHn
joint is the center of gravity of the hoof.

This completes the illustrative and sectional drawings of
the carcass and the limits. Tliere is no accident here, but
the evidence of a divinely constructed mechanism, which re-
quires study in order to properly dress and shoe tlie foot.

Now, fix in your minds the pivotal points of this mechan-
ism. The illustrations jDrove that the fourteenth dorsal ver-
tebrae is the center of gravity of the body, and the coffin joint
is the center of gravity of the foot. Around these two pivotal
points cluster all the science necessary to balance the carcass,
the limbs and the feet. How many horseshoers have grasped
the force of these observations upon the mastery of which de-
pends the success of farrierv?

Balance the body and the feet and every joint will work
properly in its journals and every muscle will move with its
greatest yet economical expenditure of force. Then the horse
Avill show that poetry of motion which is thus taken out of

348 SCIENTIFIC HOltSKSH()ElN(i.

the realms of romance and placed upon tin; suw. foundation
of scientific certainty.

Tliis balancing of the foot can only Ix' done by proi)er]y
dressing tlie lioof, so that the heels sliall b(> of precisely the
same heiglit and tlie toes of precisely the same length, and
the cleft of the frog, taken as the median line, shall show b}^
compass measurement tliat each sectional portion of tlie hoof
is precisely the same in width.

To comi)l(^te the limb and foot action it is only necessary
to arm tlie hoof witli the i)i"operly constructed shoe, in weight
and shape, as set forth in detail in my work on Scientific
Horsesho(nng. No two liors(^s are sha])e(l alike, and consc^-
quently no two horses are gaited alike ; so tha't the style of
shoe must be adapted to each individual horse.

But while the weight and formation of the shoe jx'rfoniis
its important part the balance of the body depends largely
upon the correct harnessing of the horse. The long, straight,
eyen-necked horse cannot be checked ii[j high ; nor the arch-
ing necked horse, who naturally carries his head high in the
air, be drawn down by the standing martingale without dis-
turbing the center of gravity of the horse when in motion.
Then forging, speedy cutting and overreaching indicate the
disturbance thus produced, and faulty action is the inevitable
result.

Every horseshoer should insist upon having the horse
driven in his presence before shoeing, in order to determine
whether this center of gravity of the carcass is thus properly
guarded. Then his task as a farrier is made comparatively
easy.

Nothing would more conduce to these beneficial results
than a College of Farriery, which should be made a govern-
mental institution, for the benefit of the horse.

Webster Family Worary of Veterinary IVledicfne
Cummings School of Veidnnary Medicine at
Tufts University
200 Westboro Ro^i
North Grafton, MA 01535